405 Lex

405 Lex Cardigan by Anne Hanson

What Is Being Made

The 405 Lex is a sophisticated open-front cardigan designed by Anne Hanson and available in ten sizes ranging from XS to L and 1X to 6X. This knitted cardigan features an elegant, light and airy construction that flatters multiple figure types through its open-front styling and slightly raised waist. The garment showcases dimensional cable motifs strategically placed along the center front lapels, lower sleeves, and as a center back accent, creating visual interest and textural depth throughout the design.

Design Features and Construction

The 405 Lex incorporates several sophisticated design elements that contribute to its graceful silhouette. The cabled lapels extend to wrap around the back neck, providing a refined finishing detail that elevates the overall aesthetic. The open-front styling allows for versatile layering and styling options, while the slightly raised waist creates a forgiving fit suitable for various body types. The dimensional diamond cable motif serves as both a decorative and structural element, appearing prominently on the front lapels, lower sleeves, and center back to create cohesive visual continuity.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting project utilizes cable knitting techniques to create the dimensional diamond motifs that define the cardigan's aesthetic. Cable stitches require crossing groups of stitches over one another to produce the raised, twisted texture characteristic of the design. The open-front construction and lace-weight yarn create a fabric with natural drape and breathability. The integration of cables with lighter lace-weight sections demonstrates intermediate knitting skill, combining stitch manipulation with shaping and finishing techniques to achieve the cardigan's sophisticated appearance.

Yarn and Materials

The 405 Lex is designed for 4-ply and lace-weight yarns, offering flexibility in fiber content and composition. The pattern was photographed in size M using Bare Naked Wools Modern Deco Lace in the color Chrome. The designer provides an extensive list of suggested yarn alternatives, including:

• Bare Naked Wools Modern Deco Lace
• Jacob Fingering
• Better Breakfast Fingering
• Stone Soup Fingering
• Cashmere Lace
• Design.club.dk Duo Silke/Merino
• Nature's Luxury Sheep en Soie
• Blacker Yarns Samite Silk Blend
• Briar Rose Fibers Sea Pearl
• Black Bunny Fibers Merino/Tencel
• Karabella Yarns Lace Merino Silk
• JulieSpins Silky 435
• Natural Born Dyers L

These yarn options span various fiber blends including silk, merino, cashmere, and specialty fibers, allowing knitters to customize the cardigan's drape, weight, and aesthetic qualities. Note: Substituting yarn and/or needles may result in variations in overall size, drape, and yardage requirements.

Difficulty Level

The 405 Lex is classified as an intermediate knitting project, suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle cable work and garment shaping. The combination of cable techniques, multiple sizes, and finishing details requires moderate experience and attention to pattern instructions.