Dendri

Dendri Cardigan by Amanda Scheuzger

What is Being Made

Dendri is an advanced-level knitted cardigan designed by Amanda Scheuzger. This garment is worked as a seamless, top-down construction in one continuous piece, offering a refined approach to cardigan construction. The finished measurements range from 32 ½ inches (82.5 cm) to 55 ½ inches (141 cm) in bust circumference, accommodating multiple sizes with 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) of intended ease for comfortable wearing. The cardigan length varies by size from 24 ¼ inches (61.5 cm) to 26 ¼ inches (66.5 cm), making it suitable for various body proportions and style preferences.

Construction Technique

This cardigan employs a top-down yoke construction method, which is a sophisticated knitting technique favored by advanced crafters. The yoke is worked first with shaping incorporated directly into a stitch chart, allowing for precise fit and visual interest. Once the yoke reaches the armholes, the sleeves are placed on hold using stitch holders or waste yarn, and the body is continued downward to the lower edge. After the body is completed, the sleeves are returned to the needles and worked individually to their cuffs. This method eliminates the need for seaming and allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses, making fit adjustments straightforward.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Dendri cardigan features charted stitch work in the yoke section, which incorporates the shaping necessary for proper fit and silhouette. The cuffs and lower edges are finished with a 2x2 Rib stitch pattern, a classic ribbed texture that provides elasticity and a polished appearance. The 2x2 Rib is worked over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 additional stitches. The pattern alternates between purl and knit stitches in a structured repeat: on wrong-side rows, the sequence is P2, K2, P2, continuing this pattern to the end; on right-side rows, the sequence is K2, P2, K2, repeated throughout. This ribbed stitch is then repeated for the desired length. The construction also incorporates wrap-and-turn techniques for short-row shaping, which are picked up and worked together with their wrapped stitches as the knitter encounters them during subsequent rows, creating smooth transitions in the yoke shaping.

Materials

The suggested yarn for Dendri is Dragonfly Fibers Damsel in a sport weight, which is a lightweight yarn category ideal for creating garments with drape and breathability. The yardage per skein is 335 yards (306 meters) per 4 ounces (113 grams). The total yarn requirement ranges from 4 hanks to 7 hanks depending on the size being knitted, providing a yardage range of approximately 1,340 to 2,345 yards (1,224 to 2,142 meters) for the complete cardigan. Sport-weight yarn worked on appropriate needles creates a fabric with excellent stitch definition, making charted patterns particularly legible and visually striking. The specific needle size is not detailed in the provided content, though sport-weight yarn typically works well on needles ranging from US 2 to US 5 (2.75 mm to 3.75 mm).

Skill Level

This cardigan is rated as an advanced knitting project, appropriate for experienced knitters with solid foundational skills. The advanced designation reflects the complexity of top-down yoke construction, the use of charted stitch patterns, and the incorporation of short-row shaping techniques. Knitters undertaking this project should be comfortable reading and following stitch charts, managing multiple stitches on needles simultaneously, and executing wrap-and-turn short rows with precision.