Lulu Cardigan

Lulu Cardigan by Kristen TenDyke

What Is Being Made

The Lulu Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Kristen TenDyke, available in seven sizes ranging from Extra Small to 3X. This buttoned cardigan features a finished chest measurement range of 31¾ inches (Extra Small) to 49¾ inches (3X), with lengths varying from 24½ inches to 29 inches depending on size. The garment includes a 1-inch overlapping buttonband for closure.

Knitting Techniques

The Lulu Cardigan employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure. The design incorporates lace patterning worked in rows, which creates an elegant, openwork aesthetic throughout the garment. Ribbing is worked in the round using a multiple of 3 stitches, providing stretchy, fitted sections that help the cardigan conform to the body. The combination of lace and ribbed sections demonstrates intermediate skill level construction suitable for knitters with foundational experience.

Stitches Used

The Lulu Cardigan utilizes a variety of essential knitting stitches to achieve its design. The pattern incorporates knit and purl stitches as foundational elements, particularly in the ribbed sections. Yarn overs (yo) are used extensively throughout the lace pattern to create decorative holes and openwork effects. Decreases are achieved through knit two together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) techniques, which are paired with yarn overs to form the characteristic lace motifs. The pattern repeats include sequences such as k2tog, k2, yo, k3, yo, k2, ssk combinations that create balanced, symmetrical lace designs across multiple rounds and rows.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Lulu Cardigan is designed to be worked in worsted weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that provides good stitch definition for both the lace patterns and ribbed sections. The pattern requires needles appropriate for worsted weight yarn, though specific needle sizes and yardage requirements are referenced in the complete pattern documentation. Worsted weight yarn offers an excellent balance of drape and structure, making it ideal for creating a cardigan that maintains its shape while allowing the lace details to showcase beautifully.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The Lulu Cardigan pattern is organized to work both in rows and in rounds, demonstrating versatile construction methods. The ribbing pattern is worked in rounds using a simple knit one, purl one (k1, p1) repeat. The lace pattern is worked in rows and features a 15-stitch repeat plus 4 additional stitches, creating a balanced, repeatable motif. The pattern includes both right-side (RS) rows and even-numbered rounds with specific stitch sequences. Rows 1 and 2 establish the base pattern repeat, while subsequent rows introduce the lace elements through the strategic placement of yarn overs and decreases. This structured approach allows the pattern to scale across the seven different size options while maintaining consistent stitch relationships.