Capsicum Cardigan in Rowan Kidsilk Haze & Fine Lace - ZB298-00001-Capsicum Cardigan-DE - Downloadable PDF

Capsicum Cardigan by Lisa Richardson – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Capsicum Cardigan is a beautifully refined women's knitting pattern designed by Lisa Richardson and published by Rowan. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern guides knitters through the construction of an elegant, lightweight cardigan worked in delicate lace-weight yarn. The design is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it a rewarding project for knitters who are comfortable with shaping, lace-weight yarns, and multi-piece garment construction.

Garment Overview

The Capsicum Cardigan is a classic open-front or button-front cardigan featuring carefully shaped front panels, set-in or shaped sleeves, and a flattering silhouette achieved through precise increases and decreases. The pattern is written in German (as indicated by the DE designation in the pattern code ZB298-00001-DE), and it covers five sizes to suit a range of bust measurements:

• 81–86 cm (approximately 32–34 in)
• 91–97 cm (approximately 36–38 in)
• 102–107 cm (approximately 40–42 in)
• 112–117 cm (approximately 44–46 in)
• 122–127 cm (approximately 48–50 in)

The knitted hip circumference ranges from approximately 96.5 cm to 136.5 cm across the five sizes, ensuring a comfortable and well-proportioned fit throughout the body.

Construction and Shaping Techniques

The Capsicum Cardigan is constructed in separate pieces — including a right front panel (rechtes Vorderteil) and shaped sleeves — which are later seamed together. This traditional construction method allows for precise shaping and a professional finish.

Body Shaping

The front panels feature front slope shaping (vordere Schräge), worked through a series of gradual increases and decreases to create a neat, angled neckline or front edge. Increases are worked at the end of specific rows and then repeated at regular intervals — every 14th, 14th, 14th, 16th, or 16th row depending on the size — with all increases incorporated into the stitch pattern. Stitch counts after increases reach up to 100, 104, 111, 115, or 120 stitches depending on size.

Sleeve Shaping and Armhole Decreases

The sleeve and armhole shaping (Abnahmen für die Ärmel) is worked through a structured sequence of cast-offs at the beginning of rows. The sequence includes binding off 7 stitches at the start of the first shaping row, followed by further bind-offs of 6, 5, 4, and 3 stitches at the beginning of every following alternate row. Simultaneously, additional front slope increases are worked at specified row intervals, ensuring the shaping of both the sleeve cap and front edge are coordinated correctly.

Stitch Pattern

The pattern references a stitch pattern (Musterverlauf / Mst) that must be maintained consistently throughout all shaping. While the specific lace or texture stitch is not fully detailed in the extracted content, working increases and decreases within pattern is a key intermediate skill required for this cardigan. This technique ensures the decorative stitch repeat remains visually continuous even as the fabric is shaped.

Yarn and Materials

The Capsicum Cardigan is worked in a combination of two Rowan yarns, held together or used in conjunction to create a luxurious, lightweight fabric with beautiful drape and a subtle halo:

• Rowan Kidsilk Haze – Shade Pearl 590, a signature mohair-and-silk blend yarn renowned for its gossamer halo and extraordinary softness. Used in 6, 7, 7, 8, or 8 x 25 g balls depending on size.
• Rowan Fine Lace – Shade Cameo 920