Kiss Me Kate

Kiss Me Kate Cardigan by Mary Annarella

What is Being Made

The Kiss Me Kate is a fitted cardigan sweater designed by Mary Annarella, inspired by Cole Porter's musical classic. This seamless knit cardigan features a sophisticated silhouette with a deep V-neckline, raglan three-quarter length sleeves, and a curved hem that complements the neckline shaping. The garment is constructed with princess seams at the waist and hips, creating a tailored fit that flatters the body's natural curves. The cardigan is designed to be worn with 0-2 inches of negative ease at the bust for a close, fitted look, though it also accommodates positive ease for a more relaxed fit depending on personal preference.

Construction Technique

This cardigan is knit seamlessly from the top down, beginning at the neck and working downward to the hem. The top-down construction method allows for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the garment as you work. The seamless construction eliminates the need for seaming, creating a smooth, professional finish. Princess seams are strategically placed at the waist and hips to provide shaping and structure, enhancing the fitted silhouette while maintaining the integrity of the knit fabric.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout the Kiss Me Kate cardigan is stockinette stitch (stst), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a V-shaped texture on the right side. This fundamental knitting stitch provides an elegant canvas for the cardigan's tailored shaping and allows the fitted construction to be clearly visible.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: Valley Yarns Charlemont in the colorway Purple Passion (or suitable substitute); approximately 925 to 1,550 yards depending on size
• Yarn Weight: 4-ply weight yarn (440 yards per 100 grams)
• Needles: US Size 5 needles (or size needed to obtain proper gauge)
• Gauge: 24 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking
• Yardage Requirements: 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, or 5 skeins depending on size

Difficulty Level

The Kiss Me Kate cardigan is rated as an intermediate knitting project. This difficulty level reflects the techniques required: seamless top-down construction, raglan shaping, princess seams for waist and hip definition, and the precision needed to achieve a well-fitted garment. Knitters should be comfortable with basic increases and decreases, reading patterns, and understanding garment shaping before attempting this design.

Design Details

The cardigan's design philosophy centers on creating a flattering, structured garment that celebrates the wearer's silhouette. The deep V-neckline draws attention to the upper body, while the curved hem echoes and reinforces the neckline's elegant lines. The raglan sleeves provide comfortable arm mobility while maintaining the fitted aesthetic. The princess seams serve both functional and aesthetic purposes—they allow for precise shaping at the waist and hips while creating vertical lines that enhance the cardigan's tailored appearance.