The time has finally come, my new knitting pattern is finished and is now available for you to buy/download in my Ravelry Store
(Advertising on own behalf!)
ERIKA (by Nina Nadel)
Erika is a waist-length cardigan with a decorative pattern at the back and a decorative edge along the front V-neckline.
The knitting instructions contain separate instructions for each size (XS – XXL) and many tips for individual size adjustment.
In addition to the normal “balanced” version, there is an additional option for sizes L, XL and XXL where the fronts and the back are worked to different lengths. This means that the cardigan is not too long at the back and the front section still extends to the waist. This option is particularly recommended if you are slightly shorter and have already experienced that waist-length tops are always too long at the back. (tester feedback approx. 85%: normal “balanced” version | 15%: option)
I also included instructions on how to adjust the length of the fronts for a large bust, which is recommended (for all sizes) for those who are blessed with a large | voluminous bust and who are already familiar with the fact that waist-length tops are always too short at the front which results in constant pulling. 😉
Boths decorative stitch pattern are available as text and as charted stitch pattern.
Languages: German & English
Where can I get the instructions for Erika?
The knitting pattern for ERIKA is NOW available: BUY it right NOW!
or go to the product page at Nina Nadel’s Ravelry Store first.
Info: “Ravelry is a community site, an organizational tool, and a yarn & pattern database for knitters and crocheters.” (quote: Ravelry) To use all functions, you need to have an account, but it’s free. If you don’t have or want to open a free account at ravelry, you are still able to buy my pattern, just use the links above.
How it works
The body is knitted in one piece from the bottom up, the sleeves (with the help of short rows) and the button placket (double knit) are knitted in or on by picking up stitches from the body. At the end, only the remaining threads need to be woven in and the buttons sewn on.
Size chart
What do you need?
Knitting instructions: ERIKA (get it HERE)
Yarn: DROPS Baby Merino or a yarn of similar quality
Consumption: (approx) XS 300g | S 300g | M 350g | L 350g | XL 400g | XXL 450g
Gauge: 24 stitches x 32 rows (stockinette stitch with needle size 3)
Needle size: 3 + 2,5 (or needle size required to achieve gauge)
Buttons: Ø 1,5cm (approx 5/8 inch) XS 5 pcs.| S 5 pcs.| M 5 pcs.| L 5 pcs. | XL 5 pcs.| XXL 5 pcs.
Extra: 3 stitch markers, 2 stitch holders or auxiliary needles for putting stitches on hold, 1 wool needle to weave in the remaining threads, 1 needle to sew on the buttons
Informations about the used yarn
DROPS Baby Merino:
– colour used in the example – grey-mix 19
– superwash treated extra fine merino wool
– machine wash on gentle cycle warm 40°C | 104F / don’t use fabric softener / dry flat / do not soak
– Made in EU, Oeko-Tex® certification, Standard 100, Class I = tested for harmful substances and is considered safe in human-ecological terms, suitable for baby articles (ages 0-3)
– lovely soft quality, not too warm and really inexpensive
Info: Although I mention this yarn in my instructions (I was allowed to do so by the manufacturer), I have neither been paid for this naming, nor have I received the material for the development free of charge, nevertheless due to my linking here, I would like to point out that this might be “unpaid advertising”, you never know! 😉
Level of difficulty + knitting knowledge
Erika is knitted with knit and purl stitches, which are either knitted stockinette or partially twisted in the decorative patterns. Various types of decreases and increases are used as well as yarn overs. It would be helpful to have experience with “short rows”, which are needed to knit in the sleeves, and with double knit, as this technique is used to work the button band. The double knit technique makes the button band look the same on both sides.
To help you, there is a comprehensive glossary in the instructions, which not only explains the abbreviations but also describes the respective knitting techniques. (level of difficulty: intermediate | advanced)
Additionally, there is a separate blog entry HERE with my instructions for Jeny’s Stretchy (Slipknot) Cast On, a very elastic method for casting on stitches. Since Jeny’s Surprisingly (Stretchy) Bind-Off is quite well known by now and also well represented with instructions on the internet, I haven’t published my own tutorial yet, but if you prefer to find a tutorial here on my blog, please let me know and I’ll publish one.
What I hope for!
Photos of your finished Erika would make me really happy! As well as if you are using the hashtag #NNErika (@NinaNadel) when you publish them – for example – on Instagram. I am also available to answer questions during the knitting process, but please try to find instructions for the different types of stitches on the internet first, they exist! 😉
Have fun knitting and enjoy your Erika!