Mariechen

Mariechen Cardigan by Isabell Kraemer

What is Being Made

Mariechen is a handknit cardigan design created by independent designer Isabell Kraemer. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a classic cardigan suitable for multiple sizes, making it a versatile addition to any knitter's wardrobe. The design is available in seven different size options to accommodate various measurements and fit preferences.

Craft and Primary Technique

Mariechen is designed as a knitting project, utilizing circular needles and double-pointed needles (DPNs) for construction. The pattern employs a combination of flat and in-the-round knitting techniques. The cardigan is worked using circular needles for the main body and ribbing sections, with DPNs or magic loop method available as alternatives for smaller circumference areas such as sleeve ribbing and neck finishing.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch featured in this pattern is Double Seed Stitch (DSS), which creates a textured, reversible fabric with visual interest. Beyond the signature stitch, the pattern incorporates fundamental knitting techniques including:

• Knit (k) - the basic knit stitch
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) - a right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Knit in front and back (kfb) - an increase technique for adding stitches
• Ribbing - used for sleeve ribbing and neck finishing to create elastic, fitted edges
• Cast on (CO) and bind off (BO) - essential techniques for beginning and finishing the garment

Yarn and Materials

Mariechen is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, specifically using KOKON Merino DK as the recommended fiber. Each skein of KOKON Merino DK contains 201 yards (184 meters) and weighs 100 grams. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from approximately 974 yards (890 meters) for the smallest size up to 1,641 yards (1,500 meters) for the largest size. This translates to needing between 5 and 9 skeins depending on the chosen size.

Needles Required

The pattern calls for multiple needle sizes to accommodate different sections of the cardigan:

• US 3 (3.25 mm) circular needle - used specifically for neck finishing to create a neat, fitted neckline
• US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle, 32 inches (80 cm) length - employed for body ribbing and sleeve ribbing sections
• US 6 (4 mm) - the primary needle size for working the main body of the cardigan
• Double-pointed needles (DPNs) or longer circular needle for magic loop method - alternatives provided for working ribbing in smaller circumferences

Difficulty Level

Mariechen is classified as an intermediate level knitting pattern. This designation reflects the combination of basic stitches with the structured shaping and multi-needle techniques required. Knitters should be comfortable with circular needle work, increasing and decreasing stitches, and following pattern instructions before beginning this project.

Pattern Information

This pattern is offered as a downloadable PDF format, allowing knitters to access and reference the complete instructions digitally. The design was created in 2019 and is made available for unlimited personal use by the designer. The pattern is presented in color, with example images shown in the Dew colorway of KOKON Merino DK yarn.