Puna cardigan

Puna Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Neringa Ruke

What is Being Made

The Puna cardigan is a hip-length knitted cardigan designed for versatile everyday wear. This garment features a flattering V-neck collar with snap fasteners and distinctive long balloon sleeves finished with ribbed cuffs. The cardigan is sized to be worn with 10 centimeters (4 inches) of positive ease, making it suitable for layering over various outfits including jeans, skirts, and shorts. Available in eight sizes ranging from XS to 4X, the Puna cardigan accommodates a wide range of body types and preferences.

Construction Method

This knitting pattern employs a top-down construction technique, which offers several practical advantages for the knitter. Working from the top of the garment downward allows for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the cardigan as you progress. The V-neck band is worked in one piece together with the cardigan body, significantly reducing finishing work and creating a seamless integration between the neckline and the main garment. This thoughtful design approach minimizes the need for extensive seaming or additional finishing steps, making the project more accessible and efficient to complete.

Stitches and Techniques

The Puna cardigan incorporates several fundamental knitting techniques suited to intermediate-level crafters. The pattern utilizes ribbed stitching for the cuff details on the balloon sleeves, providing elasticity and a polished finish. The V-neck band construction demonstrates shaping and neckline finishing skills. The top-down method requires proficiency with increases for shaping the sleeve caps and body, as well as understanding how to work in the round or with circular needles for seamless construction. These techniques combine to create a garment that is both structurally sound and visually interesting.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Puna cardigan pattern calls for three yarns held together simultaneously to achieve the desired fabric characteristics and finished look. The primary yarn is Drops Puna, a luxurious 100% alpaca fiber available in 50-gram balls with 110 meters (120 yards) per ball. This is combined with two strands of Filcolana Tilia, a delicate blend of 70% kid mohair and 30% silk, with each 25-gram ball providing 210 meters (230 yards) of yardage. The combined yarn weight is classified as worsted weight, creating a fabric with good drape and warmth.

Yarn requirements vary by size, with the smallest sizes (XS and S) requiring 250 grams of Drops Puna (5 balls, totaling 550 meters), while the largest sizes (3X and 4X) need 400 grams (8 balls, totaling 880 meters). The pattern specifies exact yardage for each size range, allowing knitters to substitute alternative yarns if desired, provided they maintain the same weight and yardage specifications. The combination of alpaca and mohair-silk blend creates a soft, breathable fabric with excellent drape, making the finished cardigan comfortable for extended wear.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some prior experience. While the top-down construction and one-piece neckline design streamline the building process, the pattern requires competency with shaping techniques, working with multiple yarn strands held together, and managing sleeve increases. Knitters comfortable with basic garment construction and comfortable reading pattern abbreviations will find this project manageable and rewarding.