Picea

Picea Cardigan by Andrea Rangel

What is Being Made

Picea is an oversized cardigan designed by Andrea Rangel, featuring a relaxed silhouette with intentional positive ease at the bust. The cardigan is available in eight sizes ranging from 38 inches to 66 inches in bust circumference (96.5 cm to 167.5 cm). The design showcases a flattering contrast between an oversized fit through the body and slender sleeves, created through drop shoulder construction. The cardigan includes a facing detail and functional pockets, making it both stylish and practical for everyday wear.

Construction Techniques

The Picea cardigan is constructed using a modular, seamed approach rather than seamless knitting. The garment is worked in separate pieces—front panels, back panel, and sleeves—which are then seamed together to create the finished cardigan. After the shoulder seams are sewn, the facing is picked up from the edge stitches and worked in the round or flat, depending on the pattern specifications. The pockets are knitted as independent pieces and sewn onto the finished cardigan body. This construction method allows for precise shaping and the ability to customize fit through careful piece assembly.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Picea cardigan is Stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side. Stockinette stitch is a fundamental knitting technique created by alternating knit and purl rows, producing the traditional look associated with knitted garments. This stitch choice provides a clean canvas for the cardigan's silhouette and allows the yarn's texture and color to be the focal point of the design.

Yarn and Needles

Picea is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that strikes a balance between drape and structure. DK weight is ideal for garments requiring definition and a refined appearance. The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch using the larger needle. This gauge information is critical for achieving proper fit and finished measurements. Knitters should use appropriately sized needles to match this gauge; typically, DK weight yarn works well with US sizes 3-5 (3.25-3.75 mm) needles, though individual tension variations may require adjustment.

Sizing and Fit Details

The Picea cardigan is designed with +7-9 inches (18-23 cm) of positive ease at the bust, creating the intentional oversized fit that is central to the design aesthetic. The finished bust circumference measurements are as follows:

• Size 1: 38 inches (96.5 cm)
• Size 2: 42 inches (106.5 cm)
• Size 3: 46 inches (117 cm)
• Size 4: 50 inches (127 cm)
• Size 5: 54 inches (137 cm)
• Size 6: 58 inches (147.5 cm)
• Size 7: 62 inches (157.5 cm)
• Size 8: 66 inches (167.5 cm)

The pattern includes a schematic to assist in size selection, particularly important because the drop shoulder construction means that sleeve length is partially determined by the oversized fit. Knitters choosing a size smaller than their intended ease may experience shorter sleeves than designed, making careful schematic review essential before beginning the project.

Difficulty Level

Picea is rated as an intermediate difficulty knitting project. This classification reflects the skills required: proficiency with Stockinette stitch, the ability to follow a multi-piece construction pattern, experience with seaming techniques, and understanding of gauge and fit adjustments. While not a beginner project, it remains accessible to knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction beyond simple flat panels.