Arequipa

Arequipa Summer Cardigan by Martha Wissing

Garment Overview

Arequipa is an open front summer cardigan designed by Martha Wissing and named after the city in Peru. This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated construction method that combines seamless knitting techniques with decorative finishing details. The cardigan is designed with approximately 4–6 inches of ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit suitable for warm weather wear.

Construction Technique

The Arequipa cardigan employs a strategic knitting approach that minimizes seaming and maximizes garment integrity. The body is knitted in one piece from the bottom up to the underarm, creating a seamless foundation. Sleeves are then knitted separately and joined to the body during the yoke construction, allowing for precise shaping and fit at the shoulders. This method is common in modern knitwear design as it reduces finishing work and creates clean, professional results.

Stitches and Edge Details

The cardigan incorporates several specialized knitting techniques to achieve its polished appearance:

• Slipped stitch edges are used along the lace edges at the front openings, creating neat, finished selvages that frame the garment opening
• I-cord bind off is applied to the lace edge along the fronts and neckband, providing a decorative and durable edge finish that prevents curling and adds visual interest
• Lace patterning is featured prominently along the front edges, contributing to the summery aesthetic appropriate for the cardigan's intended season

Sizing and Fit

The pattern provides five finished bust measurements: 38 inches for Small, 42 inches for Medium, 46 inches for Large, 50 inches for 1X, and 54 inches for 2X. The cardigan length ranges from 19½ inches for sizes Small through Large, increasing to 20½ inches for 1X and 21½ inches for 2X. The generous ease built into the design ensures the garment drapes elegantly without clinging to the body.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Arequipa is designed to be knitted with Berroco Linen Stonewash yarn in the colorway #7370 Basalt. This yarn is a DK weight, making it suitable for creating lightweight, breathable fabric ideal for summer wear. The pattern requires 7 balls for Small, 8 balls for Medium, 9 balls for Large, 9 balls for 1X, and 10 balls for 2X. Each ball contains 50 grams and yields 137 yards, allowing crafters to calculate total yardage needed based on their selected size.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for circular knitting needles in size 6 (4 mm) or the size necessary to obtain the specified gauge. A 32-inch length circular needle is used for the main body and yoke construction, while a 12-inch length circular needle is employed for smaller circumference sections. Circular needles allow for seamless knitting in the round and are essential for this garment's construction method.

Skill Level and Craftsmanship

Rated as an intermediate project, Arequipa is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex construction techniques. The combination of one-piece body knitting, separate sleeve attachment, and specialty finishing techniques such as I-cord bind off requires comfort with shaping, gauge work, and attention to detail. This pattern represents a step forward in knitting complexity while remaining achievable for dedicated intermediate-level crafters.

Design Heritage

Created by independent designer Martha Wissing and published in June 2019, Arequipa reflects contemporary knitwear design principles that prioritize both aesthetic appeal and construction efficiency. The cardigan's open front silhouette and lace detailing align with modern summer fashion while the technical construction demonstrates thoughtful pattern engineering.