Elda is knit from the top-down; it has a gradual v-shaped front that is very figure flattering. The cardigan is meant to be worn open and does not have buttons.

The front bands feature an easy to knit, yet very beautiful slip-stitch pattern. Instructions are included for ¾ length or for full-length sleeves.

After the cardigan stockinette body is finished, sts are picked up around the fronts and the neckline and a beautiful, yet simple to knit, slip-stitch pattern is knit for the bands.

The ribbing on the bottom of the sleeves and body are not regular 1x1 ribbing but a beautiful slip-stitch rib that does not pull together like regular ribbing.

Notions:
Scrap yarn or spare needle to hold stitches
Stitch markers, Tapestry needle

Sizes: XS (S, M, L1, L2)XL, 2XL, 3XL – to fit 34 (36, 38, 40, 42)44, 48, 52” chest /to fit 86 (91, 97, 102, 107)112, 122, 132 cm chest

Yarn: Madelinetosh Sport or Cascade 220 Superwash Sport or any Sport or DK weight yarn – 1000 (1100, 1200, 1300, 1400)(1500, 1650, 1750) yards.
If knitting full length sleeves, add 100 yards to overall needed yardage needed.

Gauge: 22 sts & 28 rows = 4”/10 cm in stockinette stitch on larger sized needles

Needles: U.S. 6 (4 mm) circular 16” & 32’’ needle & DPN (if not using magic loop) use the size needles that gets gauge
U.S. 5 (3.75 mm) circular 32” needle & DPN (if not using magic loop)
Optional: U.S. 1 (2 mm) circular 32” needles

Estonian Braid Knitting Tips:
(1) I prefer nickel plated metal needles (love my Addi circular needles), BUT I have found that if I work the braid stitch with wooden needles, it is easier to do.

(2) On the videos, a M1B is used to create the additional stitch you need to knit the Estonian Braid, I have found that a kfb (knit-front-back) looks much better.

German Video
English Video #1 - you may not want to watch the entire video because she shows you how to do each stitch (which is a repeat, over & over again), forward to the end where she shows you how to end the braid round, that part is important.
English Video #2 - Proverbial Knitter
Photo Tutorial #1
Photo Tutorial #2 - scroll down to see the tutorial