Sintra

Sintra Cardigan by Fiona Alice

What is Being Made

The Sintra Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Fiona Alice and published by Loop, London in 2018. This garment is available in six sizes with finished bust circumferences ranging from 98.5cm to 129cm (38¾ to 50¾ inches), designed to be worn with 10 to 20.5cm (4 to 8 inches) of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Techniques Used

The Sintra Cardigan employs two primary stitch patterns that create visual interest and texture throughout the design. The Rosette Stitch forms the main fabric of the garment, creating a delicate, decorative pattern. The Cable Stitch is also featured in the construction, adding structural detail and classic knitted texture. Both stitches are worked on 4.5mm needles and are blocked to precise tension specifications before finishing.

Swatching is essential for this project. The Rosette Stitch swatch requires casting on an even number of stitches (minimum 30 stitches recommended) and working a four-row repeat pattern: knit on row 1, work 2-into-2 decreases across row 2, knit row 3, and work 2-into-2 decreases with edge stitches on row 4. A minimum of 10 repeats is recommended to accurately assess the stitch pattern and tension.

Stitches Used

• Rosette Stitch: A four-row repeat pattern combining knit rows with 2-into-2 decrease rows to create a textured, dimensional fabric
• Cable Stitch: A classic twisted stitch pattern for added structure and visual interest
• Standard knit and purl stitches for shaping and finishing

Materials

The Sintra Cardigan is knitted using Daruma Genmou, a DK or light worsted weight yarn composed of 100% merino wool. Each 50g ball provides 151 meters or 165 yards of yarn. Shade 08 Light Grey is specified in the pattern, with yardage requirements ranging from 7 balls for the smallest size to 13 balls for the largest size.

Needles required include a 4.5mm (UK 7/US 7) circular needle measuring 80cm (32 inches) in length for working the body of the cardigan, plus additional needles suitable for working small circumferences for ribbing, necklines, and other finishing details.

Tension Specifications

Accurate tension is critical for this design. The Rosette Stitch should measure 22 stitches and 26 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over 4.5mm needles after blocking. The Cable Stitch should measure 30 stitches and 30 rows to 9cm (3½ inches) over 4.5mm needles after blocking. Blocking is essential to achieve these measurements and ensure the finished garment meets the specified dimensions.