Finnish Yarns and Design Since 1928
Novita Merino DK: Huoleton (Carefree) cardigan
As low as €5.95
Knitted from Novita Merino DK, this textured cardigan features a number of intriguing details, but it’s still simple enough for a minimalist wardrobe as well. The relaxed cardigan is easy to wear over any outfit.
Novita Kesä 2021 -lehti (in Finnish)
21
Expert
Availability: In stock
N022121
Size
XS(S)M(L)XL/XXL(3XL)Yarn demand
Novita Merino DK
(006) Semolina Porridge 500(550)600(650)700(750) g
Needles and other supplies
Circular needles (80 cm / 32 in) Novita 4 mm (UK 8 / US 6) and 5 mm (UK 6 / US 8) or sizes needed to obtain gauge
Other supplies 3(3)3(4)4(4) buttons
Designer
Lea PetäjäBack
Using the smaller needles, cast on 105(113)121(129)145(157) sts and begin ribbing on the WS with p1. Work ribbing for 2,5 cm.
Switch to the larger needles and begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart I: work the 2 sts at right, repeat the 4 st pattern 25(27)29(31)35(38) times, work the 3 sts at left. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 31(32)33(34)36(38) cm, bind off 1x4(4)4(8)8(8) sts at both ends for the armholes = 97(105)113(113)129(141) sts. Decrease 1 st at both ends: (RS) work 2 sts, skp (slip 1 knitwise, k1, pass the slipped st over), work to last 4 sts, k2tog, work to end. Work stockinette st at the decreases and repeat the decreases as established on every other row 3 more times = 89(97)105(105)121(133) sts.
When the armhole measures 17(18)19(20)21(22) cm, bind off the middle 39(39)39(39)41(41) sts for the neckline. Work one side at a time. Bind off 1x3 sts at the neckline edge.
When the armhole measures 19(20)21(22)23(24) cm, bind off the 22(26)30(30)37(43) shoulder sts.
Work the other side in the same manner.
Left front
Using the smaller needles, cast on 50(54)58(62)70(74) sts and begin ribbing on the WS with p1. Work ribbing for 2,5 cm.
Switch to the larger needles and begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart I: work the 2 sts at right, repeat the 4 st pattern 11(12)13(14)16(17) times, work the 2 sts at left, work 2 sts in reverse stockinette st. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 7 cm, on the next RS row begindecreases and increases: work 2 sts,place 1st marker, skp, work 28(28)32(32)36(36) sts, place 2nd marker, yarn over, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, slip marker, skp, work to 2nd marker, slip marker, yarn over, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)26(26) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 23(24)25(26)28(30) cm, begin neckline decreases at the left end: (RS) work to last 5 sts, k2tog, work to end. Work stockinette st at the decrease and repeat the decrease on every other row 4(3)2(0)1(0) more times and then 15(16)17(19)19(18) times on every 4th row.
When the piece measures 31(32)33(34)36(38) cm, work the armhole decreases at the right end as established in the back piece.
When the armhole measures 19(20)21(22)23(24) cm, bind off the 22(26)30(30)37(43) shoulder sts.
Right front
Using the smaller needles, cast on 50(54)58(62)70(74) sts and begin ribbing on the WS with p1. Work ribbing for 2,5 cm.
Switch to the larger needles and begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart I: work 2 sts in reverse stockinette st, work 1 st at the right end of the chart, repeat the 4 st pattern 11(12)13(14)16(17) times, work the 3 sts at left. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 7 cm, on the next RS row begin decreases and increases: work 18(22)22(26)30(34) sts, yarn over, place 1st marker, work 28(28)32(32)36(36) sts, k2tog, place 2nd marker, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, yarn over, slip marker, work to last 2 sts before 2nd marker, k2tog, slip marker, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)26(26) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 23(24)25(26)28(30) cm, begin neckline decreases at the right end: on a RS row work 2 sts, skp, work to end. Work stockinette st at the decrease. Repeat the decrease on every other row 4(3)2(0)1(0) more times and then 15(16)17(19)19(18) times on every 4th row.
When the piece measures 31(32)33(34)36(38) cm, work the armhole decreases at the left end as established in the back piece.
When the armhole measures 19(20)21(22)23(24) cm, bind off the 22(26)30(30)37(43) shoulder sts.
Sew the shoulder seams.
The right sleeve is knitted from armhole to cuff (see pattern for direction of knitting).
Using the larger needles and with RS facing, pick up and knit 39(41)43(45)47(49) sts on both sides of the shoulder (the red line in the pattern) and 1 st from the shoulder = 79(83)87(91)95(99) sts.
Begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart II: (WS) work the 4 sts at left, repeat the 4 st pattern 18(19)20(21)22(23) times, work the 3 sts at right. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 17(18)19(19)20(20) cm, on the next RS row begindecreases and increases: work 9 sts,place 1st marker, skp, work to last 20 sts, place 2nd marker, yarn over, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, slip marker, skp, work to 2nd marker, slip marker, yarn over, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)22(22) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 19(20)21(21)22(22) cm, decrease 1 st at both ends: (RS) k1, skp, work to last 2 sts, k2tog, k1. Repeat the decreases after 5 cm.
When the piece measures 32(33)36(36)32(32) cm, on the next RS row begin decreases at both ends: work 11 sts, skp, work to last 13 sts, k2tog, work to end. Repeat the decreases on every other row 11(11)11(11)15(15) more times = 51(55)59(63)59(63) sts.
Work ribbing for 5 cm, then bind off in pattern.
Left sleeve
Pick up sts from the armhole and begin textured pattern as established.
When the piece measures 17(18)19(19)20(20) cm, on the next RS row begindecreases and increases: work 20 sts, yarn over, place 1st marker, work to last 11 sts, place 2nd marker, k2tog, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, yarn over, slip marker, work to last 2 sts before 2nd marker, k2tog, slip marker, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)22(22) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 19(20)21(21)22(22) cm, decrease 1 st at both ends: (RS) k1, skp, work to last 2 sts, k2tog, k1. Repeat the decreases after 5 cm.
When the piece measures 32(33)36(36)32(32) cm, on the next RS row begin decreases at both ends: work 11 sts, skp, work to last 13 sts, k2tog, work to end. Repeat the decreases on every other row 11(11)11(11)15(15) more times = 51(55)59(63)59(63) sts.
Work ribbing for 5 cm, then bind off in pattern.
Buttonband
Using the smaller needles pick up and knit sts starting at the bottom edge of the right front. Pick up 21 sts per 10 cm along the right front, back neckline and left front. Make sure the number of sts is divisible by 2 + 1 st. Begin ribbing: (WS) p2, k1, *p1, k1*, repeat *–*, p2.
When the border measures 1,5 cm, place markers for 3(3)3(4)4(4) buttonholes, the topmost one at the bottom edge of the slanted neckline, the bottom one at the midpoint of the ribbed hem and the rest evenly in between. On the next row, at each buttonhole work 2 sts together, yarn over, work 2 sts together. On the next row work the yarn over twice following the rib pattern.
When the buttonband measures 3,5 cm, loosely bind off in pattern.
Finishing
Sew the side seams and sleeve seams.
Steam lightly.
Finished dimensions
body circumference 94(102)110(118)130(142) cm / 37(40¼)43¼(46½)51¼(56) in
length 50(52)54(56)59(62) cm / 19¾(20½)21¼(22)23¼(24½) in
inner sleeve length 46(47)48(48)49(49) cm / 18(18½)19(19)19¼(19¼) in
Stitch patterns & gauge
Stitch patterns
Ribbing:
*k1, p1*, repeat *–* until 1 st remains, k1. On the wrong side rows
Back
Using the smaller needles, cast on 105(113)121(129)145(157) sts and begin ribbing on the WS with p1. Work ribbing for 2,5 cm.
Switch to the larger needles and begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart I: work the 2 sts at right, repeat the 4 st pattern 25(27)29(31)35(38) times, work the 3 sts at left. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 31(32)33(34)36(38) cm, bind off 1x4(4)4(8)8(8) sts at both ends for the armholes = 97(105)113(113)129(141) sts. Decrease 1 st at both ends: (RS) work 2 sts, skp (slip 1 knitwise, k1, pass the slipped st over), work to last 4 sts, k2tog, work to end. Work stockinette st at the decreases and repeat the decreases as established on every other row 3 more times = 89(97)105(105)121(133) sts.
When the armhole measures 17(18)19(20)21(22) cm, bind off the middle 39(39)39(39)41(41) sts for the neckline. Work one side at a time. Bind off 1x3 sts at the neckline edge.
When the armhole measures 19(20)21(22)23(24) cm, bind off the 22(26)30(30)37(43) shoulder sts.
Work the other side in the same manner.
Left front
Using the smaller needles, cast on 50(54)58(62)70(74) sts and begin ribbing on the WS with p1. Work ribbing for 2,5 cm.
Switch to the larger needles and begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart I: work the 2 sts at right, repeat the 4 st pattern 11(12)13(14)16(17) times, work the 2 sts at left, work 2 sts in reverse stockinette st. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 7 cm, on the next RS row begindecreases and increases: work 2 sts,place 1st marker, skp, work 28(28)32(32)36(36) sts, place 2nd marker, yarn over, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, slip marker, skp, work to 2nd marker, slip marker, yarn over, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)26(26) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 23(24)25(26)28(30) cm, begin neckline decreases at the left end: (RS) work to last 5 sts, k2tog, work to end. Work stockinette st at the decrease and repeat the decrease on every other row 4(3)2(0)1(0) more times and then 15(16)17(19)19(18) times on every 4th row.
When the piece measures 31(32)33(34)36(38) cm, work the armhole decreases at the right end as established in the back piece.
When the armhole measures 19(20)21(22)23(24) cm, bind off the 22(26)30(30)37(43) shoulder sts.
Right front
Using the smaller needles, cast on 50(54)58(62)70(74) sts and begin ribbing on the WS with p1. Work ribbing for 2,5 cm.
Switch to the larger needles and begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart I: work 2 sts in reverse stockinette st, work 1 st at the right end of the chart, repeat the 4 st pattern 11(12)13(14)16(17) times, work the 3 sts at left. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 7 cm, on the next RS row begin decreases and increases: work 18(22)22(26)30(34) sts, yarn over, place 1st marker, work 28(28)32(32)36(36) sts, k2tog, place 2nd marker, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, yarn over, slip marker, work to last 2 sts before 2nd marker, k2tog, slip marker, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)26(26) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 23(24)25(26)28(30) cm, begin neckline decreases at the right end: on a RS row work 2 sts, skp, work to end. Work stockinette st at the decrease. Repeat the decrease on every other row 4(3)2(0)1(0) more times and then 15(16)17(19)19(18) times on every 4th row.
When the piece measures 31(32)33(34)36(38) cm, work the armhole decreases at the left end as established in the back piece.
When the armhole measures 19(20)21(22)23(24) cm, bind off the 22(26)30(30)37(43) shoulder sts.
Sew the shoulder seams.
The right sleeve is knitted from armhole to cuff (see pattern for direction of knitting).
Using the larger needles and with RS facing, pick up and knit 39(41)43(45)47(49) sts on both sides of the shoulder (the red line in the pattern) and 1 st from the shoulder = 79(83)87(91)95(99) sts.
Begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart II: (WS) work the 4 sts at left, repeat the 4 st pattern 18(19)20(21)22(23) times, work the 3 sts at right. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 17(18)19(19)20(20) cm, on the next RS row begindecreases and increases: work 9 sts,place 1st marker, skp, work to last 20 sts, place 2nd marker, yarn over, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, slip marker, skp, work to 2nd marker, slip marker, yarn over, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)22(22) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 19(20)21(21)22(22) cm, decrease 1 st at both ends: (RS) k1, skp, work to last 2 sts, k2tog, k1. Repeat the decreases after 5 cm.
When the piece measures 32(33)36(36)32(32) cm, on the next RS row begin decreases at both ends: work 11 sts, skp, work to last 13 sts, k2tog, work to end. Repeat the decreases on every other row 11(11)11(11)15(15) more times = 51(55)59(63)59(63) sts.
Work ribbing for 5 cm, then bind off in pattern.
Left sleeve
Pick up sts from the armhole and begin textured pattern as established.
When the piece measures 17(18)19(19)20(20) cm, on the next RS row begindecreases and increases: work 20 sts, yarn over, place 1st marker, work to last 11 sts, place 2nd marker, k2tog, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, yarn over, slip marker, work to last 2 sts before 2nd marker, k2tog, slip marker, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)22(22) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 19(20)21(21)22(22) cm, decrease 1 st at both ends: (RS) k1, skp, work to last 2 sts, k2tog, k1. Repeat the decreases after 5 cm.
When the piece measures 32(33)36(36)32(32) cm, on the next RS row begin decreases at both ends: work 11 sts, skp, work to last 13 sts, k2tog, work to end. Repeat the decreases on every other row 11(11)11(11)15(15) more times = 51(55)59(63)59(63) sts.
Work ribbing for 5 cm, then bind off in pattern.
Buttonband
Using the smaller needles pick up and knit sts starting at the bottom edge of the right front. Pick up 21 sts per 10 cm along the right front, back neckline and left front. Make sure the number of sts is divisible by 2 + 1 st. Begin ribbing: (WS) p2, k1, *p1, k1*, repeat *–*, p2.
When the border measures 1,5 cm, place markers for 3(3)3(4)4(4) buttonholes, the topmost one at the bottom edge of the slanted neckline, the bottom one at the midpoint of the ribbed hem and the rest evenly in between. On the next row, at each buttonhole work 2 sts together, yarn over, work 2 sts together. On the next row work the yarn over twice following the rib pattern.
When the buttonband measures 3,5 cm, loosely bind off in pattern.
Finishing
Sew the side seams and sleeve seams.
Steam lightly.
This pattern is publish in the latest issue of Novita Magazine. You can buy your own copy here
Beginner
Have you just learned to knit, maybe still trying to figure out the very basics like knit and purl stitches? Or are you picking up knitting again for the first time since elementary school? Start here.
Technique
Beginner-level patterns include only basic knitting techniques: knitting and purling. You’ll also need to cast on and cast off stitches. The projects can be worked flat or in the round. Easy, regular decreases are used. Most patterns are worked in stockinette or garter stitch. Other simple stitch patterns may occur, and they are always detailed in the written pattern. Stripes of different colours may be used, but no more advanced colourwork.
Patterns
All patterns are written and do not include charts. Abbreviations are not used. Getting gauge is not crucial to the finished piece. Patterns include mostly accessories such as scarved and beanies. Pillowcases and other home decoration pieces.
Adventurous beginner
Got the basics covered? You’d like to take a swing at your first pair of socks, perhaps some easy cables or colourwork? A treasure of patterns awaits you on this level.
Technique
Patterns on this level may include simple colourwork, cables or lace. Colourwork patterns repeats are relatively short, cables simple and symmetrical and lace patterns easy and relatively small, covering details rather than entire pieces. The colourwork, cable and lace stitches are not worked into decreases or increases. Colourwork yarn floats are short, max. 3-4 stitches. Picking up stitches may occur. On this level, you’ll also find easy patterns using domino knitting, log cabin knitting or tunisian crochet.
Patterns
Patterns may include simple charts. In case special techniques are employed, they are detailed our in the instructions, either as text or e.g. through videos. The patterns may also suggest ”shortcuts”, i.e. easier ways to accomplish a technique. Most of the basic socks with heel flaps or afterthought heels are on this level, as well as mittens with no-gusset thumbs. There’s also plenty of sweaters, usually yoke sweaters or raglan sleeve sweaters.
Intermediate
So knitting is a regular hobby for you? Abbreviations, charts and instructions are no more than a walk in the park? Perhaps you’re looking for something to challenge yourself with, even at the odds of frogging?
Technique
In addition to basic techniques, some special techniques may be employed on this level, e.g. short rows. The same pattern may include both lace and cables. Magic loop knitting or entrelac, two-coloured brioche stitch, also here. In general, patterns require a more advanced ability to "read" your knitting. Lace patterns are also more advanced than on the previous level, but the lace stitches are still worked on right side only. Intarsia may be included, but in relatively simple and symmetrical patterns.
Patterns
Patterns on this level can feature concurrent shaping, e.g. neckline shaping at the same time as sleeve decreases or sleeve decreases into cable pattern. Sweater sleeves may require more advanced shaping. Most of our sweaters are at this level. Other patterns include e.g. magic loop patterns and toe-up socks.
Advanced
Turn off that telly and lash the doors, maximum concetration required! Although this skill level doesn’t bring much more in terms of technique, there’s simply more going on at the same time. Skill, concentration and perception are requisite.
Technique
On this level, you’ll find more advanced intarsia patterns, including intarsia in the round. Brioche patterns with decreases and/or cables are also here. Beginning of rounds may shift and multiple markers are needed. Lace or cable stitches may be worked also from wrong side. We’ve also included patterns featuring steeks here. Steeking isn’t hard as such, but requires the nerves and confidence of an experienced knitter.
Patterns
Patterns may include complex steps and require simultaneous reading of both charts and written instructions. Gauge may vary over different steps of the project. The patterns often feature much details and a combination of techniques. The size of the project is not what determines whether it’s advanced or not; focus is on technique, overall complexity and the risk of errors during the project.
Gauge and Swatching
Every pattern is based on a certain gauge, expressed as stitches or rows per 10 cm. It is important that you make a swatch to check your gauge before you start the actual project. If your gauge doesn’t match the pattern’s gauge, your finished garment won’t be the correct size either.
Swatching Start by knitting a swatch. Use the yarn, the needles and the stitch pattern you intend to use in the project. Make the swatch a little wider than 10 cm, so that you’ll be able to measure the stitches properly. Block the swatch by pinning it to a surface, then steam it gently. Count the stitches; put a pin in a stitch, then measure 10 cm from that stitch and put another pin there. Count the stitches from pin to pin – that’s your gauge! If needed, measure both horizontal and vertical gauge (rows). If you’re measuring rib or brioche stitches, stretch out the swatch slightly before measuring.
Adjusting gauge
If your gauge doesn’t match the pattern gauge, you can adjust it by switching needle size. If your swatch has too few stitches per 10 cm (i.e. your knitting is too loose), switch to smaller needles. Conversely, if your swatch has too many stitches per 10 cm, your knitting is too tight and you’ll need a larger pair of needles. Always knit another swatch in order to determine proper gauge and sizing. Also note that the pattern yardage only applies to the pattern yarn, the yardage may differ if you choose another yarn.
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