Adina

Adina Cardigan by Melissa Wehrle

What is Being Made

Adina is a sophisticated autumnal cardigan designed by Melissa Wehrle, perfect for weekend getaways and early autumn evenings. This knitted garment features a light and drapy construction with an open fabric that remains non-sheer, making it ideal for layering during transitional seasons. The cardigan is available in multiple sizes ranging from 30" to 50" in finished bust measurements, accommodating a wide range of body types.

Construction and Design Features

The Adina cardigan employs an unconventional construction method that sets it apart from traditional cardigan patterns. The front placket and buttonholes are worked directly into the garment during knitting rather than added afterward, streamlining the finishing process. The front of the garment along the center front is intentionally designed to be 1/2" shorter than the back, creating a subtle shaping detail. The placket and neck trim are worked simultaneously with the body, eliminating the need for separate finishing steps. Neat rolled edges are strategically kept in place with spots of ribbing to maintain structure without adding bulk.

An eyelet pattern adorns the yoke, adding visual interest and contributing to the garment's light, airy aesthetic. The design requires careful attention to the right front buttonhole instructions during construction.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Working on larger needles than typical for the yarn weight to achieve an open, drapy fabric
• Integrated placket and buttonhole construction worked into the garment body
• Simultaneous working of neck trim and placket with the main body
• Strategic ribbing placement to secure rolled edges
• Eyelet pattern integration at the yoke for decorative detail
• Seaming with attention to diagram guidance for proper garment assembly

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Adina cardigan features an eyelet pattern that creates decorative openwork at the yoke. The eyelet pattern is worked over four rows:

• Row 1 (Right Side): Purl
• Row 2 (Wrong Side): Knit
• Row 3: Purl
• Row 4: K1, *yo, k2tog* (yarn overs and knit two together decreases create the eyelet openings)

Ribbing is used strategically throughout the design to secure rolled edges and provide structural support where needed.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Adina cardigan is worked in fingering weight yarn on larger needles, which creates the signature light and drapy fabric characteristic of this design. The use of oversized needles relative to the yarn weight produces an open fabric construction without creating sheerness, allowing for excellent drape and movement. Careful swatching is recommended before beginning the project, as the yarn is intentionally knit loose on the larger needles, and swatch tension directly impacts the finished garment measurements and overall fit.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. The unconventional construction method, integrated buttonholes, and simultaneous working of multiple elements require knitter experience and attention to detail. The eyelet pattern and careful seaming based on construction diagrams add to the complexity, making this project suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more sophisticated garment construction techniques.