Ribs & Lace Cardigan in Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima Fine - FW180 - Downloadable PDF

Ribs & Lace Cardigan in Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima Fine – Pattern FW180 by Linda Medina

This free downloadable PDF pattern by designer Linda Medina presents the Ribs & Lace Cardigan, a beautifully textured women's cardigan worked in Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima Fine. Published under pattern number FW180, this intermediate-level knitting project combines classic ribbing with delicate lace detailing to create a lightweight, elegant cardigan suitable for a wide range of sizes.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a seamed, bottom-up cardigan featuring a blend of 1x1 ribbing and a Ribs and Lace pattern. The garment is designed to be buttoned at the front, closing with three 1-inch buttons. It is available in seven sizes ranging from XS through 3XL, with finished bust measurements (buttoned) spanning 32 inches to 56 inches, accommodating actual bust measurements from 30 inches up to 54 inches. This makes the pattern notably size-inclusive and accessible to a broad range of knitters.

Construction Techniques

The cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, worked-flat approach. Working flat means the individual pieces — typically the back, left front, right front, and sleeves — are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, and then joined together with seams. This traditional construction method gives knitters precise control over shaping and finishing, and is well suited to intermediate knitters who are comfortable with seaming techniques. The bottom-up direction means knitting begins at the lower hem and progresses upward toward the shoulders and neckline.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern incorporates two distinct stitch textures that give the cardigan its name and visual interest:

• 1x1 Ribbing: An alternating knit-one, purl-one rib pattern that creates a stretchy, structured fabric. This is commonly used at hems, cuffs, and button bands to provide neat, elasticated edges that hold their shape.
• Ribs and Lace Pattern: A combined stitch pattern that introduces an open, airy lace element alongside ribbed columns. Lace knitting uses deliberate yarn overs (YO) paired with decreases such as K2tog (knit two together) and knitting through the back loop (tbl) to create decorative eyelets and directional texture.

Key abbreviations used throughout the pattern include K (knit), P (purl), YO (yarn over), K2tog (knit two stitches together), tbl (through the back loop), CO (cast on), BO (bind off), PM (place marker), and RS (right side). Stitch markers and stitch holders are used during construction to manage live stitches and mark key points in the shaping.

Gauge

Achieving accurate gauge is essential for this pattern. Two separate gauge measurements are specified:

• 23 stitches x 26 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in the Ribs and Lace Pattern
• 23 stitches x 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in 1x1 Ribbing

Knitters should swatch in both stitch patterns before beginning to ensure proper fit across the range of sizes.

Materials and Yarn

The pattern calls for Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima Fine, a sport weight yarn composed of 100% Pima Cotton. Each skein contains 50g (1.75 oz) / 136.5 yards (125 m). The sample shown uses color #3780 Summer Moss. Depending on the size being knitted, the pattern requires between 8 and 13 skeins — specifically 8 skeins for XS and S, 9 for M, 10 for L, 11 for XL, 12 for 2XL, and