Leann Cardigan

Leann Cardigan by Afifa Knits Designs

What is Being Made

The Leann Cardigan is a sophisticated knitted cardigan designed by Afifa Knits Designs and inspired by Leann, proprietor of Forbidden Fiber Co. This garment features delicate lace patterning combined with structural shaping, making it an elegant layering piece suitable for intermediate knitters. The cardigan is available in six sizes ranging from XS to XXL, with chest circumferences from 34 to 44 inches, allowing for a customizable fit across multiple body types.

Design Features and Construction

The Leann Cardigan showcases refined design details that elevate it beyond a basic cardigan silhouette. The back and side panels feature a delicate lace pattern that creates visual interest and texture throughout the garment. A peplum is incorporated along the bottom edge, adding a feminine and flattering element to the construction. The lace border on the peplum corresponds with a center lace panel that runs along the top of the sleeves, creating cohesive design continuity. Finishing touches include picots and i-cord bind offs, which add polished detailing and prevent the edges from rolling.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Provisional Cast On: The pattern begins with a provisional cast on using scrap yarn, allowing for later pick-up of live stitches
• Lace Knitting: Delicate lace patterns are incorporated on the back, side panels, and along the top of the sleeves
• Peplum Construction: A peplum ruffle is added along the bottom with coordinating lace border details
• Picot Finishing: Decorative picots are used as a refined bind-off technique
• I-Cord Bind Off: An i-cord bind off provides a polished, professional edge finish
• Stitch Markers: Strategic marker placement guides shaping and pattern alignment throughout construction

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Leann Cardigan is worked primarily in stockinette stitch, which serves as the foundational stitch for the body. Lace patterns are incorporated through yarn overs and decreases to create the delicate openwork sections on the back, side panels, and sleeve tops. The gauge is 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US size 5 needles, which is essential for achieving proper fit and drape.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Leann Cardigan requires approximately 870 to 1300 yards of fingering weight yarn (4-ply), depending on the size selected. The sample shown was knitted in Forbidden Fiber Co. Fortitude, a 100% superwash merino yarn in the colorway Lady Violet. Fingering weight yarn provides the delicate fabric necessary for the lace patterns and creates a refined drape suitable for the garment's elegant design. Additional materials include US size 5 (3.75 mm) needles for the main fabric, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scrap yarn for the provisional cast on.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience. The combination of lace knitting, multiple stitch markers, and refined finishing techniques such as picot and i-cord bind offs requires solid foundational skills and attention to detail. Knitters should be comfortable reading lace charts, managing multiple pattern sections simultaneously, and executing specialty bind-off techniques.