1292 Caladium - Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Toby

1292 Caladium Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Lidia Karabinech

About This Pattern

The 1292 Caladium is a women's cardigan knitting pattern designed by Lidia Karabinech and published by Valley Yarns. This elegant, lightweight cardigan features a deep V-neck and a single button closure at the bust, making it an effortlessly versatile layering piece. Whether draped over a summer dress or paired with a tank top and jeans, the Caladium is designed to be a warm-weather wardrobe staple. Its combination of a sophisticated lace body and a ribbed hem gives it a refined, feminine silhouette that works equally well for casual and dressed-up occasions.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern is rated Intermediate in difficulty and is available in eight sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, and 4XL. The sample shown in the pattern is knit in size M. Finished bust measurements range from 30¾" to 58½", and the garment is designed to fit with 0–2" of positive ease, meaning it sits close to the body with just a touch of room for comfort. Finished lengths range from 19½" to 23" depending on size, making it a cropped-to-hip-length piece ideal for layering.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a seamed, bottom-up cardigan worked in separate flat pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — which are then sewn together using a tapestry needle. The construction follows a classic garment-making approach, with armhole shaping, V-neck shaping, and back neck shaping all worked in sequence. A single ¾" button at the bust provides a minimal, modern closure that keeps the deep V-neck open and flowing.

Techniques Used

• Bottom-up construction: Each piece begins at the lower hem and is worked upward toward the shoulders, a traditional approach that gives knitters clear landmarks for shaping.
• Worked flat (back and forth in rows): All pieces are knit flat on a circular needle, with right-side and wrong-side rows clearly distinguished throughout the pattern.
• Seamed finishing: The individual pieces are joined by sewing seams, a technique that adds structure and durability to the finished garment.
• Lace patterning: The body of the cardigan features a repeating lace pattern that creates an open, airy fabric — ideal for warm-weather wear. Lace knitting typically involves yarn-over increases paired with corresponding decreases to form decorative eyelets and motifs within the fabric.
• Ribbing: The lower hem is worked in a K3, P2 rib for 14 rows before transitioning into the lace pattern. This ribbing provides a neat, slightly elasticized edge that keeps the hem from flaring.
• Long-Tail Cast-On: The pattern specifies the Long-Tail Cast-On method for casting on stitches, a popular technique that creates a firm, tidy, and slightly stretchy foundation row.
• Armhole and neck shaping: Standard bind-off and decrease rows (using ssk and k2tog) are used to shape the armholes and back neck, creating smooth, fitted curves.

Stitches Used

• Lace pattern stitch — the primary stitch pattern used throughout the body, worked over a four-row repeat
• K3, P2 Rib — used for the lower hem border
• Ssk (slip, slip, knit) — a left-leaning decrease used in armhole and other shaping
• K2tog (knit two together) — a right-leaning decrease used in shaping
• Yarn-overs — integral to the lace pattern, creating the decorative eyelets
• Bind-off rows — used at armholes and neck openings

Materials Required

The Caladium