Scallop Lace Cardigan and Vest

Scallop Lace Cardigan and Vest by Sian Brown

Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from designer Sian Brown presents two sophisticated garments featuring elegant scallop lace detailing: a tailored cardigan and a sleeveless vest. Both designs showcase intermediate-level knitting techniques and are constructed using 4-ply cotton yarn, making them ideal for creating refined, lightweight pieces suitable for layering or warm-weather wear.

Scallop Lace Cardigan

The cardigan is available in four sizes ranging from 10-12 to 20-22, with bust measurements from 84cm (33 inches) to 134cm (52¾ inches). The garment features a length to shoulder of 49-55cm (19¼-21½ inches) and sleeve length of 31-33cm (12¼-13 inches). This button-front cardigan is constructed using Patons 4-ply Cotton yarn in Red, requiring 4-5 balls of 100g each depending on size. The pattern incorporates scallop lace elements throughout the design, creating a decorative and textured finish.

Scallop Lace Vest

The vest design offers seven size options from 10 to 22, with bust measurements spanning 76cm (30 inches) to 127cm (50 inches) and length to shoulder ranging from 57-63cm (22½-25 inches). This sleeveless piece is worked in a two-color colorwork technique using Patons 4-ply Cotton, combining a main color in Red with contrast detailing in Cream. The scallop lace pattern is integrated throughout this garment as well, adding visual interest and texture to the piece.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Both garments employ intermediate-level knitting techniques centered around lace work and stocking stitch construction. The scallop lace pattern creates decorative openwork elements characteristic of lace knitting, requiring attention to yarn overs, decreases, and pattern repeat accuracy. Stocking stitch forms the foundation of the garments, providing a smooth, classic fabric base that showcases the lace detailing.

The pattern utilizes both flat knitting on straight needles and circular needle work for seamless construction and finishing details. The cardigan features button bands and front openings that require careful edge finishing, while the vest incorporates armhole and neckline shaping.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Patons 4-ply Cotton in Red shade for both garments, with additional Cream contrast yarn for the vest. The 4-ply weight provides a lightweight, breathable fabric ideal for layering pieces.

Needles: Both garments require a pair each of 3mm (US 2) and 3.25mm (US 3) knitting needles for working the pattern. The cardigan additionally calls for a circular 3mm (US 2) needle for neckline and band finishing.

Notions: The cardigan requires 7 small buttons for closure.

Tension and Construction Standards

Achieving proper tension is essential for garment fit. The pattern specifies 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch on 3.25mm needles, and 31 stitches and 40 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over the scallop lace pattern on 3.25mm needles. Knitters should swatch before beginning to ensure accurate sizing and fabric characteristics.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern is suitable for knitters with foundational skills in stocking stitch, shaping, and basic lace techniques. Experience with reading lace charts and managing yarn overs and decreases is beneficial for successful completion of either garment.