Maypop Hoodie

Maypop Hoodie by Susanna Winter

What Is Being Made

The Maypop Hoodie is a loose and flowy hooded cardigan designed for a relaxed, summery aesthetic. This garment features a distinctive lace panel running down the spine and can be styled in multiple ways—buttoned up for a structured look or worn open with an i-cord belt tied at the waist for a casual, robe-like appearance. The cardigan combines elegant lace detailing with practical shaping for a versatile layering piece.

Construction Method

This cardigan is worked top down, beginning with the hood. The construction approach minimizes finishing work by incorporating button bands simultaneously with the body of the garment. The hood is shaped using short rows, a technique that creates three-dimensional shaping without increases or decreases at the edges. The raglan sleeve construction provides ease of movement and a contemporary silhouette.

Shaping and Design Details

The Maypop Hoodie features subtle waist and back shaping that creates an understated hourglass curve despite the garment's overall loose and flowy fit. This strategic shaping provides flattering definition without compromising the relaxed aesthetic. The lace panel at the center back flows seamlessly from the hood, through the body, and continues to the garter stitch band at the hem, creating a continuous visual line down the garment's spine.

Stitches and Lace Patterns

• Lace panel: A central lace motif runs down the spine, integrated into the hood and body construction
• Zig zag lace: Decorative zig zag lace details frame the front edges of the cardigan
• Garter stitch: Used for the hem band and as structural elements along the front edges, providing texture and definition
• Short rows: Employed to shape the hood without visible shaping lines

Both written and charted instructions are provided for all lace patterns, offering flexibility for knitters who prefer to follow charts or written directions. The pattern includes both metric and US terminology for international accessibility.

Yarn and Materials

The Maypop Hoodie is designed to work with 3-ply, 4-ply, and lace weight yarns, offering versatility in fiber choice. These lighter yarn weights are ideal for the garment's flowing, summery character and allow the lace details to display beautifully. The pattern accommodates various yarn weights within this range, making it adaptable to different fiber preferences and desired drape.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Maypop Hoodie is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle lace patterns and top-down construction. The combination of lace work, short-row shaping, and seamless construction requires comfort with these techniques, though the pattern's detailed instructions support knitters working at this level.

Pattern Format

This design by independent designer Susanna Winter is available as a downloadable PDF, providing immediate access to complete pattern instructions for home printing or digital reference.