Lotusland Cardigan

Lotusland Cardigan by Meghan Jones

What is Being Made

The Lotusland Cardigan is a knitted garment designed by Meghan Jones and published by Little NutMeg Productions. This cardigan features a serene aesthetic inspired by calm water and lush florals, with a color palette of pink and yellow accents. The design is available in seven sizes ranging from 36 ½ inches to 62 inches in finished bust measurement, accommodating a wide range of body sizes. The cardigan shown in the pattern photographs is displayed in size 53 ½ inches with ½ inch of positive ease built into the fit.

Construction and Techniques

The Lotusland Cardigan is worked flat in separate pieces from the bottom up, with pieces subsequently seamed together. This construction method allows for precise shaping and detailed stitch pattern work. The garment is knitted using US #6/4 mm straight needles or a 32-inch circular needle, giving knitters flexibility in their needle choice based on personal preference. Stitch markers play an important role in the pattern, with two removable stitch markers and one additional stitch marker required to track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the construction.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

Texture is a primary design feature of the Lotusland Cardigan, achieved through multiple complementary stitch techniques. The pattern incorporates broken ribbing and garter stripes as foundational textural elements that create visual interest and dimensional depth. An all-over lace pattern adorns the back of the cardigan, adding delicate openwork that contrasts with the more solid textured sections. The pattern also includes stockinette stitch as a base stitch for smooth sections of the design.

Gauge is critical for achieving proper fit in this intermediate-level project. The lace pattern requires 18 ½ stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches, while stockinette stitch sections are worked at 22 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches. Knitters should swatch both gauges before beginning to ensure accurate sizing.

Materials and Yarn

The Lotusland Cardigan is designed to be knitted in Twisted Owl DK yarn, a 100% superwash merino wool available in 100-gram skeins with 274 yards per skein. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 5 skeins for the smallest size (36 ½ inches) to 9 skeins for the largest size (62 inches). The pattern features the colorway Twisted Owl 5. The DK weight yarn provides an ideal balance of drape and stitch definition for displaying both the textured ribbing and lace elements. Superwash merino wool offers easy care and durability for a garment intended for regular wear.

Additional notions required include a tapestry needle for seaming pieces together and weaving in ends, and one 1 ¾-inch button for the cardigan closure.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex stitch patterns and multi-piece construction. The combination of broken ribbing, garter stripes, and lace work requires comfort with reading stitch patterns and maintaining consistent tension across different stitch types.