"Holly Cardigan" - Cardigan Knitting Pattern For Women in Willow and Lark Plume

Holly Cardigan by Amanda Crawford – Lace Wrap Cardigan Knitting Pattern from Willow and Lark

The Holly Cardigan is an elegant lace wraparound cardigan designed by Amanda Crawford as part of the Willow and Lark Best of British Collection. Inspired by the delicate forms of fern fronds and seed pods, this timeless tie-cardigan features a graceful V-neckline, side ties, and dainty lace stitches combined with textural ruffles. The result is a classically feminine garment that is as wearable as it is beautiful — perfect for knitters who love intricate surface detail and a flattering, adjustable silhouette.

What Is Being Made

The Holly Cardigan is a women's lace wrap-style cardigan worked from the bottom up. It features a deep V-neck, long sleeves, and side ties made from narrow ribbon rather than knitted ties, giving the garment a refined, lightweight finish. The cardigan is available in six sizes, fitting bust measurements from 81 cm (32 in) to 107 cm (42 in), with actual garment measurements at the underarm ranging from 89 cm to 118 cm. The finished length to the shoulder ranges from approximately 62 cm to 67 cm, and the sleeve seam measures between 46 cm and 48 cm depending on size.

Construction Techniques

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is worked from the lower edge upward, a traditional method that allows knitters to adjust length before committing to armhole shaping. This approach gives excellent control over fit and garment proportions.
• Lace knitting: Lace is the primary decorative technique throughout the Holly Cardigan. Lace knitting involves a series of yarn-overs paired with decreases to create deliberate holes and an openwork pattern that mimics the organic, airy quality of fern fronds and seed pods. Working lace in a mohair-silk blend adds a soft halo that enhances the delicate appearance of the stitches.
• Textural ruffles: In addition to lace, the design incorporates textural ruffles, adding dimensional interest and a sense of movement to the finished garment.
• Wraparound and tie fastening: Rather than buttons or a zip, the cardigan wraps and fastens with 160 cm (63 in) of narrow ribbon threaded through the knitted fabric at the sides, creating a soft, adjustable tie closure.

Stitches and Skills Required

• Lace stitches — including yarn-overs and paired decreases — form the core stitch pattern of the Holly Cardigan. These stitches require careful attention to stitch counts and pattern repeats, making this an advanced-level knitting pattern suited to experienced knitters comfortable with reading lace charts or written lace instructions.
• Standard knitting stitches such as knit and purl are used throughout the construction sections, including shaping for the armholes, V-neck, and sleeves.
• Knitters should be confident in lace technique as listed in the skills required section of the pattern, including maintaining correct stitch counts across complex lace rows.

Materials – Yarn

The Holly Cardigan is designed to be knitted in Willow and Lark Plume, a luxurious lace-weight yarn composed of 70% Mohair and 30% Silk, sold in 25 g (0.9 oz) balls. The mohair content gives the yarn its characteristic soft halo, which beautifully blurs and softens lace stitches, while the silk adds a subtle sheen and drape ideal for a wrap-style cardigan. Depending on size, the pattern calls for 6 to 8 balls of Willow and Lark Plume.

The pattern suggests two colourways as alternatives to one another:

• Sea Green 323 — a cool, nature-inspired tone that complements the fern and botanical theme of the design