WEBS DIR07 Collar Your Dreams by Fiona Ellis - Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Valley Superwash DK

Collar Your Dreams Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Fiona Ellis – A Detailed Summary

About This Pattern

Collar Your Dreams is a women's cardigan knitting pattern designed by Fiona Ellis, released as part of the WEBS Designer in Residence Series #7. This is a sophisticated, multi-season cardigan featuring intricate cable panels, eyelet lace detailing, and a dramatic shawl collar — all worked flat and seamed for a polished, structured finish. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is rated intermediate to advanced in difficulty, making it an ideal project for experienced cable knitters or adventurous intermediate knitters ready to take on a rewarding challenge.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a fitted women's cardigan with elegant waist shaping, a shawl collar worked in short rows, and richly textured cable panels running along the body. The design is described as a multi-season garment, suitable for year-round wear. It closes with 6 buttons and is constructed in separate pieces that are seamed together. The cardigan is shown in size 38″ bust in the sample photography.

Finished bust measurements range across seven sizes:

• 31½, 35, 38, 41, 44, 47, and 50 inches

Length from hem to shoulder ranges from approximately 23¼ to 26¾ inches depending on size, giving the garment a classic, full-length cardigan silhouette.

Design Inspiration

The cable panels in this cardigan were inspired by ironwork, with the cable crosses and incorporated eyelet holes forming shapes reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower. Each cable panel measures 5 inches wide and serves as the dramatic focal point of the design. The combination of twisted cable crossings with delicate eyelet holes gives the fabric a refined, architectural quality that sets this pattern apart from traditional cable cardigans.

Construction Method

The cardigan is worked bottom-up and flat (back and forth in rows), then seamed together at the shoulders and sides. This traditional construction method allows for precise shaping and a structured, tailored fit. The shawl collar is worked using short rows (using the wrap-and-turn method) to create smooth, even curves without gaps or holes.

Techniques Used

• Cables – Intricate multi-stitch cable crosses worked over a 5-inch-wide panel, using a cable needle. The cables incorporate eyelet holes alongside the crosses for a lace-like, architectural effect.
• Lace / Eyelets – Eyelet holes are integrated directly into the cable panels, adding an openwork element that lightens the texture and references ironwork motifs.
• Short Rows (Wrap and Turn) – Used to shape the shawl collar, creating smooth curved edges. The pattern uses the standard wrap-and-turn (W&T) method.
• Waist Shaping – Elegant increases and decreases are used to create a fitted, feminine silhouette through the waist and bust.
• Seaming – Garment pieces are worked flat and joined, requiring standard seaming skills.
• Bottom-Up Construction – Pieces begin at the lower hem and are worked upward to the shoulders.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch – The primary background stitch used throughout the body; gauge is measured over stockinette at 26 stitches and 33 rows to 4 inches.
• Double Moss Stitch – A four-row textured stitch pattern worked over an odd number of stitches, alternating knit and purl stitches in a shifting sequence across rows 1 through 4.
• Seed Stitch – Used in both even and odd stitch count variations. Provides a subtle, non-rolling texture often used for borders, collars, and button bands.
• Cable Stitches – Complex cable crosses worked with a cable needle (cn), forming the signature Eiffel Tower-inspired panels.
• Eyelet / Lace Stitches –