Trego

Trego Cardigan by Melissa Schaschwary

Garment Overview

Trego is a top-down knit cardigan designed by independent designer Melissa Schaschwary. This intermediate-level knitting project is constructed as a seamless one-piece garment, beginning with yoke shaping and progressing downward to create a refined, fitted silhouette. The cardigan is available in eight sizes, ranging from 32 inches to 60 inches bust circumference, with corresponding length adjustments from 25.5 inches to 31.25 inches.

Construction Technique

Trego employs a top-down construction method that streamlines the knitting process and allows for easy customization of fit and length. The garment begins with yoke shaping worked in the round using circular needles. Once the yoke is properly shaped, the sleeve stitches are placed on hold, and knitting continues downward for the body. The body features gentle shaping toward the hem, where those stitches are also held. Finally, stitches are picked up along the front edges, and the front edging is knit in one piece, creating a cohesive and professionally finished cardigan front.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout Trego is Stockinette Stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a refined appearance suitable for a versatile cardigan. The gauge for this pattern is 16 stitches and 20 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in Stockinette Stitch. The pattern also incorporates a Tubular Bind Off technique for the finishing edge, which creates an exceptionally neat and elastic bind-off edge that maintains the fabric's stretch and provides a professional appearance.

Yarn and Materials

Trego is designed to be knit with worsted weight yarn, specifically Julie Asselin Leizu in worsted/10 ply. Each skein provides 200 yards (183 meters) of yardage. Depending on the size selected, the project requires between 6 and 10 skeins of yarn. The pattern calls for multiple needle sizes to accommodate different stitch gauges throughout the construction: Size 8 (5mm) 32-inch circular needles and double-pointed needles for ribbed sections, Size 9 (5.5mm) needles in both 32-inch and 40-inch circular lengths for the main body, and Size 10 (6mm) 32-inch circular needles and double-pointed needles for additional shaping. Additional notions include 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Finished Measurements

• Size XS: 32 inches (81.5 cm) bust, 25.5 inches (65 cm) length
• Size S: 36 inches (91.5 cm) bust, 26.5 inches (67 cm) length
• Size M: 40 inches (101.5 cm) bust, 27.25 inches (69 cm) length
• Size L: 44 inches (112 cm) bust, 28 inches (71 cm) length
• Size XL: 48 inches (122 cm) bust, 28.75 inches (73 cm) length
• Size 2XL: 52 inches (132 cm) bust, 29.5 inches (75 cm) length
• Size 3XL: 56 inches (142 cm) bust, 30.5 inches (77 cm) length
• Size 4XL: 60 inches (152.5 cm) bust, 31.25 inches (79 cm) length

The sample cardigan shown in the pattern is knit in the 36-inch size and is designed to be worn with no ease, meaning the finished bust measurement equals the intended wearing ease.