Brise Cardigan

Brise Cardigan by Hannah Fettig

What is Being Made

The Brise Cardigan is a lightweight summer cardigan designed by Hannah Fettig for knitbot. This garment features a relaxed, flowing silhouette with minimal structure, making it an ideal layering piece for warmer months. The cardigan is available in ten different sizes, with finished bust measurements ranging from 35 ¼ inches (89.5 cm) to 59 ¼ inches (150.5 cm), and lengths from 21 ¾ inches (55.5 cm) to 30 ¼ inches (77 cm). The sample shown features 5 ¼ inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Construction Method

The Brise Cardigan is knitted from the top down, a construction technique that allows for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the garment as you work. This method provides flexibility in customizing the final length and fit. The collar is picked up and knitted last, which is a common finishing technique in top-down cardigan construction that ensures a neat, professional-looking neckline.

Design Features and Stitches

Sleeve Design: The cardigan features slightly flared elbow-length sleeves that provide both flattering shaping and comfortable movement. The gentle flare at the elbow creates visual interest while maintaining the overall relaxed aesthetic of the piece.

Drape and Flow: With even less structure than the designer's Lineal cardigan, Brise showcases lovely movement and drape throughout the body and sleeves. This flowing quality is achieved through thoughtful shaping and yarn selection, making it an excellent choice for summer wear.

Materials and Yarn

The Brise Cardigan pattern calls for Sparrow by Quince & Co., a yarn composed of 100% organic linen. Sparrow is a fingering weight yarn that yields 168 yards (155 meters) per 50-gram skein. The sample cardigan shown was knitted in the colorway Juniper 201. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 7 skeins (1,175 yards) for the smallest size to 15 skeins (2,525 yards) for the largest size. Alternatively, knitters may substitute any fingering weight yarn with similar yardage.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires one 32-inch circular needle in an appropriate size for the chosen yarn. Circular needles are essential for top-down cardigan construction, allowing knitters to work in the round for the body and sleeves while maintaining the flexibility to work flat for the button bands and collar as needed.

Skill Level

The Brise Cardigan is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project, suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction techniques such as top-down shaping, sleeve cap decreases, and collar pickup.