Fickle Heart

Fickle Heart Cardigan by Justyna Lorkowska

What is Being Made

The Fickle Heart is a fitted cardigan designed by Justyna Lorkowska in collaboration with Malabrigo Yarn for their Freelance Patterns Project. This knitted cardigan is available in six sizes ranging from XS to XXL, with bust measurements from 79 cm (31.5 inches) to 121 cm (48.5 inches). The garment is designed to be worn with no ease or a small amount of negative ease at the bust, creating a close, tailored fit. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in size M using Malabrigo Rios yarn in the colorway English Rose.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level cardigan employs several advanced knitting techniques to achieve its construction and finishing. The pattern utilizes a Provisional Cast-On method, which allows for later pick-up of stitches and creates a seamless transition at the hem. The garment is worked using circular needles in multiple sizes, enabling the knitter to work both flat and in the round depending on the section being constructed. The pattern incorporates 3-Needle Bind-Off technique for joining sections with a secure, professional finish. Additionally, the design uses magic loop or double-pointed needles (dpns) for working smaller circumferences, such as sleeves or ribbed sections.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

While specific stitch abbreviations are referenced in the pattern materials (including cable stitches indicated by the cable needle requirement), the Fickle Heart cardigan features structured stitch work appropriate for an intermediate knitter. The pattern includes ribbed sections for cuffs and button bands, which provide elasticity and a finished appearance. The use of a cable needle suggests the presence of cable stitch patterns that add visual interest and texture to the design. Interlocking stitch techniques are mentioned in the pattern materials, indicating advanced stitch integration methods used in the construction.

Yarn and Materials

The Fickle Heart cardigan is designed to be knitted with Malabrigo Rios, a worsted-weight yarn composed of 100% merino wool. Yardage requirements vary by size: XS requires 5 skeins, S and M each require 6 and 7 skeins respectively, while L, XL, and XXL require 7, 8, and 9 skeins. Each skein contains 100 grams of yarn with 210 yards of yardage. The sample cardigan shown in the pattern was created in colorway 57 English Rose.

Needles and Tools Required

The pattern calls for multiple circular needle sizes to accommodate different sections of the cardigan. A 4.5 mm / US #7 circular needle measuring 80 cm (32 inches) is used for the main body construction. A 4.0 mm / US #6 circular needle at 60 cm (24 inches) is used for ribbed sections. Three 3.75 mm / US #5 circular needles are required in both 60 cm (24 inch) and 100 cm (40 inch) lengths for detailed work and smaller circumferences. A 5.0 mm / US #8 circular needle at 60 cm (24 inches) or double-pointed needles are used specifically for the 3-Needle Bind-Off finishing technique. Additional tools include a cable needle for cable stitch work, double-pointed needles or magic loop supplies for working in the round on smaller sections, a crochet hook for the Provisional Cast-On method, long scrap yarn for the cast-on technique, and 9 to 10 buttons measuring approximately 19 mm (0.75 inches) in diameter depending on the size being knitted.