Skumtop

Skumtop Women's Cardigan by HelstrupDesign

What is Being Made

Skumtop is an A-shaped women's cardigan designed by HelstrupDesign as a downloadable knitting pattern. The garment features a flattering silhouette that widens toward the hem, creating an elegant drape. Available in six sizes ranging from S to XXXL, with finished chest widths from 93 to 133 centimeters and lengths from 60 to 67 centimeters, this cardigan is suitable for various body types and preferences. The design combines decorative and structural elements to create a sophisticated layering piece.

Techniques and Construction Methods

This advanced-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its finished design. The cardigan utilizes lace knitting as a primary decorative element, creating an open, textured pattern throughout the garment body. The edges are finished with garter stitch, a fundamental knitting technique that produces a ridged, reversible fabric ideal for borders and edgings. The A-shaped construction requires strategic shaping and increases to achieve the characteristic widening from shoulders to hem. Knitters will work with circular needles in multiple sizes to manage the increasing stitch counts as the garment expands.

Stitches Used

• Lace pattern stitches – creating the decorative openwork throughout the cardigan body
• Garter stitch – used for all edges and borders to frame the lace pattern and provide structural definition
• Increases – strategically placed to create the A-shaped silhouette

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Skumtop is designed for DK weight yarn, which is a medium-light yarn weight offering excellent stitch definition for lace patterns. The pattern requires approximately 300 meters per 100 grams of yardage. Total yarn requirements range from 500 to 800 grams depending on size, with specific yardage for each size: size S requires 500-550 grams, size M requires 550-600 grams, size L requires 600-650 grams, size XL requires 650-700 grams, size XXL requires 700-750 grams, and size XXXL requires 750-800 grams.

The pattern suggests several yarn options that meet these specifications, including Malabrigo Arroyo, Lang Yarns Merino 150, Malabrigo Silky Merino, Semilla from BC Yarn, and Extrafine Merino 150 from Hjertegarn. The pictured size L sample was hand-dyed using oak leaves and features a blend of 50% silk and 50% merino wool from Chester Wool Company's silky sport yarn, which provides a luxurious drape and subtle sheen.

Needles and Notions

This project requires 3 mm circular knitting needles in two lengths to accommodate the changing stitch counts as the garment expands. Knitters will need one 3 mm circular needle measuring 60 or 80 centimeters (24 or 32 inches) for the body sections, and one 3 mm circular needle measuring 40 centimeters (16 inches), or alternatively, 3 mm double-pointed knitting needles for smaller circumferences such as sleeves or ribbing. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends upon completion.