Cardigan with knots for brides

Bridal Cardigan with Knots by Beemohr

What is Being Made

This is an elegant bridal cardigan designed for special occasions, crafted from luxurious baby alpaca blended yarn. The cardigan features decorative knots as a signature design element, making it a refined layering piece perfect for brides seeking a sophisticated, delicate garment. The design is available in five sizes ranging from XS/S through XL, allowing for a customized fit across various body types.

Yarn and Materials

The cardigan is constructed using baby alpaca yarn from Lanartus, a premium fiber blend composed of 70% baby alpaca and 30% silk. This luxurious combination provides exceptional softness, breathability, and a subtle sheen ideal for bridal wear. The yarn is classified as lace weight with a yardage of 120 meters per 25 grams. Depending on the desired size, the project requires between 7 to 11 balls of yarn, totaling 175 to 250 grams. The cardigan is fastened with three buttons, each measuring 1 centimeter in diameter.

Knitting Needles and Tools

This pattern requires circular needles in two sizes. Smaller needles, size 2.5 (3mm), are used for ribbed sections, while larger needles, size 6 (4mm), are used for the main body. Both needles should be 40 inches (100 centimeters) long to accommodate the width of the cardigan. Needle size may be adjusted as needed to obtain the correct gauge.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch using size 6 (4mm) needles. Knitters are strongly advised to knit a gauge swatch and measure carefully before beginning the full project, as gauge accuracy directly affects the final fit and drape of the bridal cardigan.

Stitches and Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental and decorative stitches:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the body of the cardigan, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This classic stitch produces a smooth, flat fabric with a refined appearance suitable for bridal garments.
• Ribbed Pattern: Used for edging and structural definition, the rib pattern alternates knit and purl stitches in a 1x1 configuration. Rows are worked as *1 knit, 1 purl; repeat from * to the end, creating vertical columns that provide elasticity and a polished finish.
• Decreases: The pattern incorporates ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) decreases to shape the cardigan and create the decorative knot details. These decreases are strategically placed, with instructions such as "K3, 2xssk" and "k2tog, K3" to form the signature knotted design elements.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The cardigan is knitted in a straightforward construction method. The pattern begins with ribbed sections worked on smaller needles, followed by the main body worked in stockinette stitch on larger needles. Decreases are worked at regular intervals to shape the garment and incorporate the decorative knots. The pattern provides specific stitch counts for each size: 55, 63, 71, 80, and 87 stitches at various measurement points. The cardigan is worked to a length of approximately 33 to 43 centimeters depending on the selected size, ensuring appropriate proportions for each size range.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, this cardigan requires solid foundational knitting skills. Knitters should be comfortable with circular needles, reading pattern instructions, working decreases, and maintaining consistent gauge. The combination of stockinette stitch, ribbing, and shaping techniques makes this an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their skills while creating a refined, wearable garment.