Summer Cardigan in BC Garn Baby Alpaca - 2314BC - Downloadable PDF

Summer Cardigan in BC Garn Baby Alpaca – Pattern Summary (Design No. 2314BC by Ann Højgaard Slot)

This free, downloadable PDF knitting pattern by designer Ann Højgaard Slot, published by BC Garn under the reference number 2314BC, guides knitters through the construction of a lightweight, elegant summer cardigan worked in luxuriously soft baby alpaca yarn. The design is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it a rewarding project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping, raglan construction, and working both flat and in the round. The finished cardigan is a versatile, warm-weather layering piece with a classic silhouette, ribbed cuffs and hem, a seamless raglan yoke, and button front closure.

Garment Overview

The Summer Cardigan is a top-down or bottom-up construction cardigan featuring a raglan yoke that joins the body and sleeves into one seamless upper section. It is worked in stockinette stitch with ribbed edgings and a neat button band. The design is available in three sizes — S, M, and L — with finished widths of 86 (90) 95 cm and lengths of 45 (48) 50.5 cm, offering a relaxed, comfortable fit suited to warmer seasons.

Materials Required

Yarn

The pattern calls for BC Garn Babyalpaca in shade au101, a 3-ply (lace/light fingering weight) yarn spun from 100% baby alpaca fibre. Baby alpaca is prized for its exceptional softness, natural lustre, and lightweight warmth, making it particularly well suited to a summer cardigan that needs to be breathable yet cosy. Yarn quantities are 100 g for size S and 150 g for sizes M and L.

Needles

• Double-pointed needles (dpn) in 4 mm (UK size 8 / US size 6) — for sleeve ribbing
• Double-pointed needles (dpn) in 4.5 mm (UK size 7 / US size 7) — for sleeve body in stockinette stitch
• Circular needle 4 mm, 80 cm long — for body ribbing, worked flat
• Circular needle 4.5 mm, 80 cm long — for body stockinette and yoke construction
• An optional circular needle 4.5 mm, 40 cm long may also be used as an alternative to dpns for the sleeves

Additional Materials

• 6 buttons for the front button band closure
• Stitch holders or waste yarn for holding body and sleeve stitches during yoke assembly
• Stitch markers (4 required for raglan yoke shaping)

Tension / Gauge

The stated tension is 20 stitches and 27 rows over 10 x 10 cm on 4.5 mm needles in stockinette stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is particularly important in this pattern to ensure the correct finished dimensions across all three sizes.

Construction Method

The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces — body and two sleeves — which are then joined for a seamless raglan yoke. This is a classic construction approach that produces a smooth, professional finish without the need for set-in sleeve seaming.

Body

The body begins with 154 (162) 174 stitches cast on using the 4 mm circular needle. It is worked flat (back and forth on the circular needle) to accommodate the open cardigan front. The lower edge is established with 14 rows of K2, P2 rib, creating a neat, elasticated hem. The work then transitions to the 4.5 mm circular needle and continues in stockinette stitch until the body reaches the armhole division point. At that stage,