Tancredi Set in Adriafil Merino & Regina - Downloadable PDF

Tancredi Set Knitting Pattern by Adriafil – Free Downloadable PDF

The Tancredi Set is a beautifully coordinated knitting pattern by Adriafil, available as a free downloadable PDF. The set includes two garments: a fitted dress and a cape or poncho, designed to be worn together as a stylish ensemble. Worked in a rich red colourway, this set combines classic shaping techniques with elegant stitch detailing to create a striking, wearable outfit suitable for confident intermediate knitters.

Yarns and Materials

The pattern calls for Adriafil Merino yarn, a premium merino wool yarn, used in red (shade 17). The Merino yarn from Adriafil is known for its softness, warmth, and stitch definition, making it ideal for structured garments with textured stitch patterns. The weight used falls within the DK to Aran range, giving the finished pieces a comfortable drape with good body.

• Yarn: 200 g Adriafil Merino in red (shade 17)
• Knitting Needles: Size 4 mm
• Notions: 3 red buttons, 130 cm of 7 mm red satin ribbon

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for a well-fitting result. The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 29 rows over 10 x 10 cm, worked in knit stitch (stocking stitch) using 4 mm knitting needles. Knitters are advised to work a tension swatch before beginning and adjust needle size as needed to match this gauge.

The Dress

Construction and Shaping

The dress is worked flat in separate pieces and features thoughtful shaping throughout. The back piece begins with a cast-on of 97 stitches, followed by a 4-row elastic rib edging approximately 0.5 cm deep. This ribbed border provides a neat, stable hem that sits smoothly against the body.

After the edging, the body of the dress is worked in a structured panel stitch pattern combining knit and purl columns. The stitch arrangement follows a repeat of k6, * p5, k11 *, creating vertical textured bands that add visual interest and a subtle architectural quality to the fabric. This type of combination stitch is a classic knitting technique that adds depth and dimension without requiring complex cable work.

Skirt Shaping

To shape the skirt, decreases are worked at the side bands in the purl sections, with 2 stitches decreased after 9 cm and a further 2 stitches decreased after another 8 cm. The decreases are made using p2tog (purl two together) on the first and last two stitches of the purl bands, creating a smooth, gradual narrowing of the silhouette from hip to waist.

At 24 cm from the edge, 12 decreases are spaced evenly across a single row, further refining the waist shaping. This is followed by a return purl row, and then a decorative eyelet row worked as: k1, * 1 yarn over (yo), k2tog *, repeated across the row. This eyelet detail creates a delicate lace-like effect and serves as the channel through which the red satin ribbon is threaded — a charming finishing touch that cinches the waist and adds a romantic, feminine detail.

Armhole Shaping

Once the work measures 25.5 cm from the edge, armhole shaping begins. Stitches are cast off at each end (3 stitches per side), and then internal decreases of 1 stitch are worked every 2 rows, twice on each side. This standard armhole shaping technique creates a clean, fitted armscye suitable for a set-in sleeve or sleeveless bodice construction.

Stitches Used in the Dress

• Elastic rib – for the hem edging
• Knit and p