Gemini cardigan

Gemini Cardigan by Katya Frankel

What is Being Made

The Gemini cardigan is a seamless, fitted cardigan designed by independent designer Katya Frankel. This garment features raglan sleeves, an off-centre button band, and an asymmetrical collar. The cardigan is worked from the bottom up in a cozy Worsted weight yarn, making it a quick-to-knit project that combines ease of construction with sophisticated design details. The piece is designed to be worn with positive ease and includes waist shaping to create a flattering, fitted silhouette.

Techniques and Construction Methods

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques that add depth and sophistication to the finished garment. The cardigan is constructed using seamless knitting, which involves working in the round and flat to eliminate seams and create a polished finish. Knitters will work with raglan sleeves, a classic construction method where sleeves are increased gradually from the body, meeting at the neckline. The pattern utilizes short rows to shape the garment, particularly for creating the fitted waist and asymmetrical collar details. Simple decreases and increases are used throughout to achieve proper shaping and sleeve cap construction. The finishing process completes the project and ensures professional results.

Stitches Used

The Gemini cardigan is primarily worked in Stocking stitch (also known as Stockinette stitch), which creates the classic smooth, V-textured fabric that showcases the yarn beautifully. The pattern incorporates knit and purl stitches as foundational elements, with additional shaping achieved through strategic use of simple decreases and increases to form the raglan sleeves and fitted waist.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Brown Sheep Company Lanaloft Worsted, a 100% wool yarn in the colorway rose marquee. The yardage requirement is 5 (5, 6, 7, 7, 8) skeins, which equates to approximately 710 (800, 890, 990, 1080, 1170) yards / 640 (730, 820, 900, 990, 1070) meters total. Knitters may substitute any Aran or heavy Worsted weight yarn with comparable yardage and gauge. The pattern is worked on Size 8 (5mm) needles, with gauge adjustment recommended as needed. The correct gauge is 16 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches / 10 centimeters in Stocking stitch. An off-centre button band requires yarn buttons as notions.

Finished Measurements

The Gemini cardigan is available in six sizes with finished bust measurements of 30¼ (34¼, 38¼, 42¼, 46¼, 50¼) inches / 77 (87, 97, 107.5, 117.5, 127.5) centimeters, accommodating a wide range of body types and fit preferences.