Ornella Cardigan in Adriafil Duo Comfort - Downloadable PDF

Ornella Cardigan in Adriafil Duo Comfort – Free Knitting Pattern (Downloadable PDF)

The Ornella Cardigan is a classic, structured knitted cardigan designed for everyday wear. This free downloadable PDF pattern is published by Adriafil Yarns and is worked in their Duo Comfort yarn, an aran-weight yarn that lends the finished garment a soft, comfortable drape with excellent stitch definition. The pattern is sized for a size 46 (with 42–44 as alternative sizes), making it a versatile project suitable for knitters who enjoy working fitted, tailored knitwear.

What Is Being Made

The Ornella Cardigan is a button-front cardigan featuring shaped sides, armhole shaping, and a neat ribbed border. It is a garment that combines classic construction techniques with clean, elegant lines. The design includes 4 matching buttons, giving it a polished, finished look suitable for a wide range of occasions. The cardigan is knitted flat in separate pieces — including a back, fronts, and sleeves — which are then seamed together using a tapestry needle.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Adriafil Duo Comfort in green (shade no. 73) — approximately 700 g total
• Knitting Needles: Size 3.5 mm (no. 3½) for borders and ribbing, and size 4 mm (no. 4) for the main body
• Notions: 4 matching buttons, a tapestry needle for seaming

The Adriafil Duo Comfort yarn is an aran-weight yarn, meaning it is a medium-to-heavy weight that works up relatively quickly on 4 mm needles. Its composition provides warmth and softness, making it an ideal choice for a cosy, wearable cardigan.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this pattern. The stated gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 x 10 cm, measured over knit stitch using 4 mm needles. Knitters are strongly advised to work a gauge swatch before beginning, as even a small difference in tension can significantly affect the finished size of the cardigan.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Elastic Rib

The borders of the Ornella Cardigan begin with an elastic rib, which is worked for the first 4 rows of the border section. Elastic rib is a variation of standard ribbing that creates a particularly stretchy, flexible edge — ideal for cuffs, hems, and button bands where a neat, snug finish is desired.

K1/P1 Rib Stitch

Following the elastic rib, the border continues with 8 rows of K1/P1 rib stitch (knit one, purl one alternating across the row). This classic ribbing technique creates a tidy, textured border that lies flat and provides structure to the edges of the garment. The combined border of elastic rib and K1/P1 rib totals approximately 3 cm in depth.

Knit Stitch (Stocking Stitch / Garter Stitch Body)

The main body of the cardigan is worked in knit stitch using the larger 4 mm needles. This straightforward stitch pattern allows the beautiful texture and colour of the Adriafil Duo Comfort yarn to take centre stage, while keeping the knitting process accessible even for those relatively new to garment construction.

Knit Stitch to End the Elastic Rib

A specific knit stitch transition row is used to close out the elastic rib section cleanly before moving into the main body fabric. This technique ensures a smooth visual transition between the border and the body of the cardigan.

Shaping and Construction Techniques

The Ornella Cardigan features several shaping techniques that give it a flattering, tailored silhouette:

• Side shaping: Decreases are worked at both ends of the needle — 1 st