Parioli

Parioli Cardigan by Corrine Walcher

Garment Overview

Parioli is a top-down raglan sleeve cardigan designed by Corrine Walcher, inspired by the Parioli neighborhood in Rome. This intermediate-level knitting project features gentle waist shaping and is constructed using bulky and super bulky yarn for a quick knit. The cardigan offers a range of finished chest sizes from 32 to 52 inches, making it adaptable for various body measurements. The design prioritizes ease of construction with minimal finishing requirements—only weaving in ends is necessary to complete the garment.

Construction Technique

The Parioli cardigan uses a top-down raglan construction method, a popular technique in modern knitting that allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length to personal preference. This approach begins at the neckline and works downward, with raglan shaping created through strategic increases that form the characteristic diagonal lines from the underarm to the shoulder. The cardigan's length is customizable and dependent on individual preference, though a standard length of 14 to 17 inches from underarm to hem is provided as a guideline across the size range.

Stitch Details and Edging

The Parioli features an easily memorized lace edging that appears at three key locations: the cuffs, collar, and bottom edge. This lace pattern is designed to be simple enough for intermediate knitters to work without constant pattern reference, making it an accessible decorative element that adds visual interest without excessive complexity. The lace edging provides a delicate contrast to the bulky yarn body of the cardigan.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Dragonfly Fibers Super Traveler yarn, a 100% superwash merino wool with yardage of 107 yards per 4-ounce skein. Yardage requirements range from 5 skeins for the smallest size (32-inch chest) to 10 skeins for the largest size (52-inch chest). The sample cardigan shown was worked in the Mermaid colorway. Superwash merino wool provides durability and easy care, making this cardigan practical for regular wear.

Needles and Tools

Construction requires a US #10/6.00mm circular needle measuring 32 inches or longer—knitters working the larger sizes may prefer an even longer needle to accommodate the increased stitch count comfortably. A set of US #10/6.00mm double-pointed needles or the knitter's preferred small-circumference needles are also needed, typically for working the cuffs and collar sections where circular needle capacity becomes limiting.

Sizing and Fit

The Parioli is offered in six size options with finished chest measurements of 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, and 52 inches. Sleeve circumferences range from 12.75 inches in the smallest size to 17.75 inches in the largest, providing proportional sleeve sizing across the range. Standard finished lengths vary from 14 inches for the smallest size to 17 inches for the largest, though knitters may customize the length during construction.

Skill Level and Project Characteristics

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, Parioli is accessible to knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle top-down construction and lace edging. The use of bulky yarn accelerates the knitting process, making this a relatively quick project despite its finished size. The gentle waist shaping adds subtle shaping without requiring complex decreases or complex stitch manipulation, keeping the pattern approachable for intermediate-level crafters.