Skera

Skera Cardigan by Corrine Walcher

What is Being Made

Skera is a round-neck, top-down cardigan designed by Corrine Walcher. This intermediate-level knitting project features a modern construction technique that transforms a seamlessly knit circular garment into a buttoned cardigan. The finished cardigan is available in six sizes, ranging from 32 inches to 52 inches in chest circumference, with corresponding lengths from 14 inches to 17 inches. The design showcases a classic cardigan silhouette with button bands and a neckband that are added after the main body is complete.

Knitting Techniques Used

Steeking is the signature technique featured in this pattern. Steeking is an advanced knitting method that allows knitters to create openings in seamlessly knit circular fabric by carefully cutting through stitches that have been reinforced with additional stitching or steeks. This technique eliminates the need for traditional seaming and allows the entire cardigan body to be worked in the round, which many knitters find more enjoyable than working flat. Corrine Walcher designed this project specifically to explore steeking, noting that despite initial concerns about the technique, the execution proved manageable for an intermediate knitter. The cardigan is worked in the round from the top down, beginning at the neckline and progressing downward to the hem. After the main body is complete, button bands and neckband are added to finish the garment and create the cardigan openings.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches, which is typical for DK-weight yarn. While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided content, the construction method indicates the use of stockinette stitch as the primary fabric, which is standard for top-down circular knitting. The button bands and neckband likely employ ribbing or garter stitch for structure and elasticity.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Skera is designed to be knit with DK-weight yarn. The sample garment was created using Tempting Ewe Yarns Ewe So Perfect DK, a superwash merino and nylon blend composed of 75% Superwash Merino and 25% Nylon. This yarn provides 246 yards per 100-gram skein. The yardage requirements vary by size: the four smallest sizes (32, 36, and 40 inches) each require 4 skeins of main color yarn, the 44-inch size requires 5 skeins, and the two largest sizes (48 and 52 inches) each require 6 skeins of main color. Additionally, one skein of contrast yarn is needed for color work or accents. The sample cardigan was knit in the colorways Intergalactic and Bare.

For needles, the pattern calls for a US #5/3.75mm circular needle measuring 32 inches or longer for working the main body in the round, along with a set of US #5/3.75mm double-pointed needles or a preferred method for small circumference knitting in the round for working the neckband and other small circumference sections. Knitters may adjust needle size as needed to achieve the specified gauge of 20 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches.

Design Context

Corrine Walcher designed Skera during pandemic lockdowns as a personal challenge to master the steeking technique. The project demonstrates that steeking, while initially intimidating to many knitters, is an achievable and rewarding skill for intermediate-level crafters. This pattern serves as an excellent introduction to the technique while producing a wearable, practical cardigan.