Koronki

Koronki Top-Down A-Line Cardigan by Åsa Tricosa

What is Being Made

Koronki is an elegant, seamless cardigan featuring a flattering A-line silhouette that creates a relaxed drape while subtly enhancing the figure without clinging to the body. The garment showcases a distinctive design element: a lace triangle that flares gracefully from a small twisted cable running down the back, creating the swingy A-line shape. This cardigan is designed for those seeking a sophisticated, versatile layering piece with refined construction details.

Construction Method

This cardigan is knitted seamlessly in one piece using a top-down construction method, beginning from the centre back collar and working downward to the hem. The collar, front bands, and all structural elements are incorporated into this single continuous piece, eliminating the need for seaming. Set-in sleeves are worked top-down as part of the overall construction, ensuring a polished, professional finish throughout the garment.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The pattern employs several advanced knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level knitters. A twisted cable detail anchors the back design, serving as the foundation from which the lace triangle expands. Lace knitting forms the primary decorative and structural element, with the lace triangle creating the characteristic flare of the A-line shape. The seamless, top-down construction requires proficiency with circular needle techniques and the ability to manage increases and shaping while maintaining stitch integrity throughout the piece.

Yarn and Materials

Koronki is designed for 4-ply weight yarn, offering a refined fabric weight suitable for elegant drape. The recommended yarn is Fyberspates Faery Wings, a luxurious blend composed of 67% silk, 23% mohair, and 10% nylon, offering 350 meters (380 yards) per 100-gram skein. This fiber composition provides both structure and fluidity, essential for achieving the cardigan's characteristic graceful drape.

Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 4 skeins for the smallest size (86 cm / 34 inches) to 5 skeins for larger sizes (106–124 cm / 42–46 inches). The smallest size requires just barely 4 skeins, and knitters can potentially complete the garment with 3 skeins if sleeves are finished before the entire body is knitted. An alternative yarn suggestion is Nimu Sizergh, which shares a similar fiber content of silk, mohair, and nylon, with comparable yardage of 349 meters (382 yards) per 100-gram skein.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two circular needles of different sizes to accommodate the varying stitch counts throughout construction. A 3.5mm (US 4) circular needle in 80–100cm (32–40 inches) length serves as the primary needle for the main body and sleeves. A 2.5mm (US 1½) circular needle in 60–100cm (24–40 inches) length is used for the ribbed cast-on, ensuring proper tension and definition for the cardigan's foundation.

Size Range

Koronki is available in seven sizes accommodating a broad range of body measurements: 86, 91, 96, 101, 106, 112, and 124 centimeters (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, and 46 inches), allowing knitters to select a size appropriate for their desired fit and ease.