Maia Cardigan in Adriafil Regina & Knitcol - Downloadable PDF

Maia Cardigan in Adriafil Regina & Knitcol

What is Being Made

The Maia Cardigan is a women's knitted cardigan available in size 44 (46-48). This is a structured layering piece crafted using a combination of two distinct yarns from Adriafil to create visual and textural interest in the finished garment.

Yarn Materials

This cardigan pattern calls for aran-weight yarn in a two-yarn combination:

• 700 grams of Adriafil Regina yarn in orange, color number 35, which serves as the primary yarn for the majority of the garment
• 100 grams of Knitcol yarn in color number 51, used as an accent yarn to add contrast and design detail

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two sizes of knitting needles to achieve proper gauge and fabric structure:

• Knitting needles size 3½ (US 4) for the ribbed borders and primary fabric
• Knitting needles size 4½ (US 7) for shaping sections
• 8 press studs for front closure
• Tapestry needle for finishing and seaming

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Maia Cardigan employs several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques to construct the garment:

• Elastic rib stitch (K1/P1) – Used at the beginning and end of the piece to create stretchy, fitted borders that frame the cardigan opening and edges
• Knit stitch – The primary stitch forming the main body fabric, creating a smooth, classic stockinette appearance
• Decreasing and increasing – Strategic shaping techniques applied at the sides: decreases of 1 stitch every 10 rows (repeated 5 times) create a fitted waist, while increases of 1 stitch every 8 rows (repeated 5 times) add fullness through the hip and bust area
• Cast-on and cast-off techniques – Proper edge finishing using knit stitch to secure the elastic rib borders

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies a gauge of 25 stitches and 31 rows over a 10 x 10 centimeter swatch, worked with size 3½ needles using Adriafil Regina yarn in knit stitch. The pattern notes that using smaller needles than those indicated on the yarn label will produce a more compact fabric effect.

Construction Details

The back panel begins with casting on 129 (137-145) stitches depending on size, worked with size 3½ needles and Regina yarn. The lower border is established with 4 rows of rib stitch, followed by continued ribbing until the piece measures 10 centimeters. The main body then transitions to knit stitch and continues with strategic shaping: the cardigan measures 22 (23-24) centimeters before hip shaping begins, and reaches approximately 37 (39-41) centimeters at the armhole depth. This structured shaping creates a fitted silhouette that follows the natural contours of the body.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern, making it convenient for immediate access and printing for reference during the knitting process.