Aviva

Aviva Lacy Spring Cardigan by Anjali M.

What is Being Made

Aviva is an elegant lacy spring cardigan designed by Anjali M. and named after the Hebrew word for springtime. This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated lacy body paired with German rib collars and hems, creating a refined garment suitable for transitional weather. The cardigan is available in eight sizes ranging from 34 to 50 inches finished chest measurement, with finished lengths between 17 and 18 inches depending on size.

Construction Technique

Aviva employs a distinctive construction method that differs from typical cardigan patterns. The back piece is knitted first, with neck stitches bound off upon completion. The two front pieces are then knitted separately as individual components. Once the front and back pieces are finished, they are seamed together along the side and shoulder seams. The collar is created by picking up stitches along the front edges and the bound-off neck edge, then knitting the collar in the round or flat depending on preference. This modular approach allows for precise shaping and makes adjustments to fit more manageable.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The cardigan features a lacy stitch pattern that repeats over just 2 rows, making it accessible for intermediate knitters while still creating visual interest and an airy, springtime aesthetic. The lace pattern is complemented by German rib at the collar and hems, which provides structure and a polished finish to the edges. Key stitches used throughout the pattern include:

• Knit (k) - the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (p) - used in combination with knits to create texture and definition
• Yarn over (yo) - creates the eyelet holes characteristic of lace patterns
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) - a left-leaning decrease used to shape the lace pattern and garment edges
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) - a right-leaning decrease that pairs with ssk stitches for balanced decreases in the lace
• German rib - a textured ribbing technique applied to collars and hems for elasticity and visual definition

The 2-row repeat lace pattern ensures that knitters quickly memorize the sequence, making this an efficient project despite its elegant appearance.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Aviva is designed to be knitted with aran weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that works up quickly and provides good stitch definition for lace patterns. Yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size (34 inches) requires 415 yards, while the largest size (50 inches) requires 830 yards. The aran weight combined with the simple 2-row lace repeat makes this cardigan a relatively quick knit compared to finer yarn weights.

The recommended needle size is US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles. Circular needles are specified to accommodate the construction method, particularly when picking up stitches for the collar and working the German rib edgings. The circular needle format also allows for easy stitch management across the larger garment pieces.

Difficulty Level

Aviva is rated as an intermediate knitting project. While it incorporates lace stitches and requires comfort with techniques such as yarn overs and decreases, the simple 2-row repeat pattern prevents the project from becoming overly complex. Knitters should be familiar with basic shaping, seaming techniques, and picking up stitches before beginning this cardigan. The modular construction actually simplifies the overall process by breaking the project into manageable sections.