Posy Circular Lace Cardigan

Posy Circular Lace Cardigan by belletricots beautiful knitwear

Project Overview

The Posy Circular Lace Cardigan is a seamless, top-down knitted cardigan featuring an elegant circular yoke with delicate lace and eyelet patterning throughout. This intermediate-level design combines classic construction techniques with decorative stitch work, creating a refined garment suitable for various occasions.

Construction Method

This cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down, beginning with the circular yoke. The body is worked flat in rows, while the sleeves are later worked in the round to maintain continuity. The buttonband is added as a final finishing detail. This construction approach minimizes seaming and allows for easy adjustments to fit.

Lace and Eyelet Pattern Details

The cardigan features an overall lace and eyelet pattern that repeats across the garment. The pattern is worked flat with an 8-stitch plus 3 repeat over 12 rows. The lace motifs include:

• Yarn-overs (YO) for creating decorative eyelet openings
• Slip-slip-knit decreases (SSK) for left-leaning decreases
• Knit-two-together decreases (K2TOG) for right-leaning decreases
• Centered double decreases (SL1-K2TOG-PSSO) for dramatic lace elements

The pattern alternates between purl rows and patterned knit rows, with even-numbered rows (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12) worked entirely in purl to create a smooth background for the lace.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn: Rowan Baby Merino Silk DK in the shade Cantaloupe. The yarn weight is DK (double knit), requiring 500–700 grams depending on size, with approximately 135 meters per 50-gram ball.

Needles: 3mm and 3.5mm long circular needles, plus short circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPN) in 3mm and 3.5mm for sleeve work. Needle size should be adjusted to obtain the specified gauge.

Additional Notions: Darning needle for weaving in ends, stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, and buttons for the front closure.

Gauge and Sizing

The cardigan is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches by 32 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches by 4 inches) in stockinette stitch using 3.5mm needles. Five sizes are available: XS, S, M, L, and XL, with bust circumferences ranging from 95 to 122 centimeters and finished lengths from 48 to 59 centimeters.

Skill Level

This is an intermediate-level knitting project. Knitters should be comfortable with circular yoke construction, lace knitting techniques, and working both flat and in the round. Understanding yarn-overs, various decrease methods, and gauge adjustment is essential for success.