Cardigan with Purl Stripes in BC Garn Semilla Fino - 2195BC - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan with Purl Stripes in BC Garn Semilla Fino – Pattern No. 2195BC by Lene Holme Samsøe

This free downloadable PDF knitting pattern by designer Lene Holme Samsøe for BC Garn produces a beautifully textured women's cardigan worked in BC Garn Semilla Fino, a 4-ply weight yarn. The defining design feature is a series of alternating purl stripes created by switching between Stocking stitch and reverse Stocking stitch in broad horizontal bands, giving the finished fabric a subtle, tactile ribbed appearance across the body. The cardigan is finished with five buttons and features a neat ribbed border throughout. This is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project, suitable for knitters who are comfortable with shaping, working multiple pieces, and reading multi-size instructions.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

The pattern is written for four sizes:

• S: 84 cm bust, 55 cm length
• M: 92 cm bust, 56 cm length
• L: 100 cm bust, 57 cm length
• XL: 108 cm bust, 58 cm length

Instructions for each size are clearly presented throughout the pattern in the format S (M) L (XL), making it straightforward to follow your chosen size consistently.

Materials Required

Yarn

The pattern calls for BC Garn Semilla Fino in blue, shade ox 110. Semilla Fino is a fine 4-ply weight yarn, and the quantities required are:

• S and M: 250 g
• L: 300 g
• XL: 350 g

Needles

• Straight needles: sizes 2.5 mm and 3 mm
• Circular needle: size 2.5 mm, 80 cm length (used for borders and button bands)

Extras

• 5 buttons for the front opening

Tension / Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for a well-fitting cardigan. The stated tension is 27 stitches × 35 rows = 10 × 10 cm in Stocking stitch using 3 mm needles. Knitters are advised to work a tension swatch before beginning and to adjust needle size if necessary. The pattern also includes a helpful note to hold the work upright when measuring length, as the alternating stripe texture can cause the fabric to crimp.

Techniques and Construction

The cardigan is worked flat in separate pieces — back, left front, and right front — which are then seamed together. The construction follows a traditional set-in or shaped armhole approach, with shoulder shaping worked by casting off stitches at regular intervals on alternate rows.

Stitch Patterns Used

• Stocking stitch (St st): Knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side — used as the base fabric for the main body stripes.
• Reverse Stocking stitch (rev St st): Purl on the right side, knit on the wrong side — alternated with Stocking stitch to create the characteristic raised purl stripe effect.
• 2×2 Rib (K2, P2): Used for the lower welt border, worked on smaller 2.5 mm needles before switching to the larger needle for the body. The rib measures approximately 4 cm before the body begins.
• Edge stitches: Single knit edge stitches are maintained throughout all rows to keep selvedges neat for seaming.

The Purl Stripe Pattern

The main body fabric is worked in broad alternating stripes of approximately 4 cm each (approximately 14