Cocktail Hour

Cocktail Hour Knitted Cuffs by BeckyinVT

What is Being Made

Cocktail Hour is a pair of elegant knitted wrist cuffs designed by Becky Herrick. These are decorative arm accessories available in two sizes: small with a 7.25-inch (18.5 cm) wrist circumference, and large with a 9.25-inch (23.5 cm) wrist circumference. The cuffs feature a distinctive double-layered construction with a lacy flounce, making them a sophisticated accessory for dressing up any outfit.

Construction Techniques

Cocktail Hour employs a multi-stage construction method that builds complexity and visual interest. The cuffs begin with simple ribbing worked from the cuff opening upward. After the ribbed foundation is established, eyelets are introduced to create decorative openings. The pattern then transitions into a lace repeat section where increases are strategically built into the charted pattern to create the first flounce layer. Once this initial layer is completed, stitches are picked up around the inside edge of the cuff to knit a second flounce in a contrasting color. This two-layer approach allows the lacy flounce to stand away from the arm, creating dimensional flair and visual impact.

Stitches and Stitch Details

• 2x2 Ribbing: Forms the foundational cuff structure, providing elasticity and a classic fitted base
• Eyelets: Decorative openings worked into the ribbed section that add visual interest and transition to the lace portion
• Lace Repeat: A charted lace pattern with integrated increases that shape the flounce layers and create an openwork design
• Increases: Built directly into the lace chart to expand stitches and form the flounce shaping

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Ball and Skein Glissade, a luxury yarn blend composed of 50% silk and 50% merino wool. This fiber combination provides both elegance and practical wearability. One skein each of the main color (MC) Nickel and a contrasting color (CC) Manise are required. Yardage requirements vary by size: the small size needs 186 yards of main color and 134 yards of contrasting color, while the large size requires 328 yards of main color and 263 yards of contrasting color. The yarn is a 4-ply weight with a total of 435 yards per 100-gram skein.

Needles and Notions

• Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) double-pointed needles (dpns) or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge
• Gauge: 24 stitches and 38 rows per 4-inch (10 cm) square when working 2x2 ribbing gently stretched
• Additional Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion
• Optional: For the larger size, a spare sixth double-pointed needle in the same size may be used to work a repeat on each needle, which can simplify managing stitches across multiple needles

Difficulty Level

Cocktail Hour is rated as an intermediate knitting project. While the foundational techniques of ribbing and basic lace are accessible to knitters with some experience, the combination of multiple construction stages, charted lace patterns, and the two-layer flounce construction requires solid knitting skills and the ability to read and follow pattern charts.