Women's Cabled Cardigan in Novita Nalle - 30 - Downloadable PDF

Women's Cabled Cardigan in Novita Nalle by Lea Petäjä – Knitting Pattern Summary

About This Pattern

This is a free, downloadable PDF knitting pattern for a women's cabled cardigan, designed by Lea Petäjä and published by Novita. Rated advanced in difficulty, this beautifully structured cardigan features rich cable detailing throughout the body and sleeves, making it a rewarding project for experienced knitters looking to showcase their skills. The pattern is sized to fit a wide range of bodies, from XS through XXL, with precise finished measurements provided for each size.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a women's long-sleeved cabled cardigan with a structured front opening, button band, and a shaped neckline. It is worked in separate pieces — a back, a left front, a right front, and two sleeves — which are then seamed together. The cardigan features a neat ribbed hem and cuffs, an integrated garter stitch button band, and a slanted neckline with carefully worked cable decreases. Five buttons fasten the front opening.

• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
• Finished body circumference: 88(96)104(112)120(128) cm / 34¾(37¾)41(44)47¼(50½) in
• Finished length: 54(56)58(60)63(66) cm / 21¼(22)22¾(23½)24¾(26) in
• Inner sleeve length: 45(46)47(48)48(49) cm / 17¾(18)18½(19)19(19¼) in

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Novita Nalle yarn in colourway (061) Linen, a DK weight yarn. The total yarn requirement ranges from 450 g to 700 g depending on the size being knitted. Novita Nalle is a soft, everyday yarn well suited to structured stitch patterns like cables, holding the definition of the design beautifully.

• Yarn: Novita Nalle, colour (061) Linen
• Yarn weight: DK
• Amount: 450(500)550(600)650(700) g
• Needles: Novita 3½–4 mm (UK 8–10 / US 4–6), or size needed to obtain gauge
• Other supplies: 5 buttons, stitch holders or scrap yarn for holding stitches

Gauge

Achieving the correct gauge is especially important for this fitted garment. The stated gauge is 29 stitches and 30 rows of the cable pattern = 10 cm / 4 in. Knitters are encouraged to swatch and adjust needle size as needed before beginning the main pieces.

Stitch Patterns and Techniques Used

This cardigan draws on a combination of classic knitting stitch patterns, each serving a specific structural or decorative purpose. The cable pattern is the centrepiece of the design and is worked from both a chart and written instructions provided in the pattern.

• Ribbing: A *p1, k1* rib is used for the hem and cuffs, worked for 4 cm to create a neat, elastic edge. On wrong side rows, stitches are worked as they appear — knit over knit, purl over purl.
• Cable pattern: The main body and sleeve fabric is worked in a cable pattern following the included chart and written instructions. Cables are directional and are mirrored on the left and right fronts to create a symmetrical appearance.
• Garter stitch: Used for the button band along the front edges. A small number of stitches are worked in garter stitch (knit all rows) to create a firm, flat band. The band on the back neckline is also worked in garter stitch, with the edge gently stretched as it is worked to ensure it lies flat.
• Reverse stock