Leilani Cardigan

Leilani Cardigan by Emily J. Designs

What is Being Made

The Leilani Cardigan is a sophisticated, seamless knitted cardigan designed for intermediate knitters. This garment features a crew neckline, set-in sleeves, and subtle waist shaping, available in seven sizes ranging from XXS to XXL. The cardigan is constructed using a top-down method that eliminates seaming entirely, creating a polished, professionally finished garment. Bust measurements range from 34 inches (86.5 cm) for XXS to 52 inches (132 cm) for XXL, with lengths between 22 and 25 inches (56 to 63.5 cm) depending on size.

Construction Techniques

The Leilani Cardigan employs a top-down seamless construction method, which is a hallmark of modern knitting design. This technique begins at the neckline and works downward, allowing the knitter to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length as needed. The set-in sleeves are integrated directly into the body without requiring any seaming, creating clean, professional armhole shaping. The pattern incorporates subtle waist shaping to provide a flattering silhouette while maintaining the ease and comfort of a cardigan style. The high crew neck provides a classic, versatile neckline suitable for layering.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

While specific stitch patterns are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the Leilani Cardigan is designed to showcase the beautiful interplay between two complementary yarns. The construction relies on fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level knitters, including circular knitting for seamless construction, increases and decreases for shaping the waist and armholes, and the integration of set-in sleeves worked in the round. The use of two yarn strands held together—a tonal base yarn combined with a contrasting mohair—creates visual interest through the resulting marl effect and characteristic halo texture without requiring complex stitch patterns.

Yarn and Materials

The Leilani Cardigan is designed to be knitted with two yarns held together simultaneously. The base yarn is Purl Soho Posy in the colorway Pink Nectar, a worsted-weight yarn composed of 75% superwash merino, 15% cashmere, and 10% nylon. Each skein contains 318 yards (290 meters) and weighs 100 grams (3.5 ounces). The contrasting strand is Purl Soho Tussock, also in Wild Guava, a lace-weight mohair blend made from 60% super fine kid mohair and 40% silk. Each skein of Tussock provides 328 yards (300 meters) and weighs only 25 grams (0.88 ounces). Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 3 skeins each of Posy and Tussock for the smallest size (XXS) to 6 skeins each for the largest size (XXL).

The combination of these two yarns creates a beautiful light marl effect with a characteristic halo. The superwash merino and cashmere blend in Posy provides warmth, softness, and durability, while the nylon content adds strength. The kid mohair and silk blend in Tussock contributes the luxurious halo effect and subtle sheen that distinguishes this cardigan. Knitters are encouraged to experiment with their own favorite yarn color combinations to personalize the design.

Needles required include US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches (80 cm) or longer, along with double-pointed needles of the same size for working smaller circumferences. A smaller needle size, US 4 (3.5 mm), in both circular and double-pointed formats is also needed for ribbed edgings or other sections requiring a tighter gauge. A tapestry needle completes the minimal notions required for this seamless project.

Yarn Weight and Difficulty

The Leilani Cardigan is worked in DK, lace, and sport weight yarns held together, creating a light, drapable fabric suitable for transitional weather or layering. The pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it appropriate for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle seamless construction, set-in sleeves, and shaping. The top-down method and lack of seaming make this an excellent project for developing advanced construction skills while creating a wearable, elegant garment.