997 - Lemondrop - Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Northfield by Valley Yarns

997 Lemondrop Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Garment Overview

The Lemondrop is a women's cardigan designed by Susan Baron, featuring a distinctive open-front construction that creates a sophisticated long sweater silhouette. This intermediate-level knitting pattern showcases a unique design element: a woven cable that joins the front panels at the bust, creating visual interest and structural balance. Complementary cable patterns on the back and sleeves enhance the overall aesthetic, making this cardigan a statement piece suitable for various occasions.

Design Features and Construction

The Lemondrop cardigan is crafted using a combination of knitting techniques that work together to create both visual appeal and wearability. The open front design allows for versatile styling options, while the strategic placement of cables adds texture and dimension without overwhelming the piece. The woven cable detail at the bust serves as a functional and decorative closure point, distinguishing this cardigan from traditional buttoned or zippered styles. The complementary cables distributed across the back and sleeves create a cohesive, intentional design that flows throughout the entire garment.

Knitting Techniques

• Cables: The primary decorative technique, featuring a woven cable at the bust and complementary cable patterns on the back and sleeves for balanced visual interest
• Worked Flat: Sections of the cardigan are constructed using flat knitting on circular needles, allowing for easier shaping and cable work
• Worked in the Round: Portions of the garment utilize circular needle construction for seamless sections and efficient stitch management

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pattern primarily utilizes stockinette stitch as the foundation fabric, which provides a smooth, classic base that allows the cable work to stand out prominently. The cables themselves are created using cable stitches, which involve crossing groups of stitches over one another to form twisted, rope-like textures. This combination creates crisp stitch definition that is particularly well-suited to the yarn choice, allowing each stitch and cable twist to remain clearly visible and beautifully defined throughout the finished garment.

Yarn and Materials

Valley Yarns Northfield is the specified yarn for this pattern, a premium blend composed of 70% Merino Wool, 20% Baby Alpaca, and 10% Silk. This fiber combination delivers exceptional softness and drape while maintaining the crisp stitch definition necessary for showcasing cable details. The yarn is classified as DK weight, with a yardage of 124 yards per 50-gram ball. The yarn choice contributes significantly to the cardigan's luxurious feel and elegant drape, creating a garment that is both comfortable to wear and visually striking.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The Lemondrop cardigan is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5X, accommodating a wide range of body types. Finished bust measurements span from 34¼ inches in the smallest size to 66¼ inches in the largest size, with 2 inches of positive ease built into the pattern. This ease allowance ensures comfortable wear while maintaining the intended silhouette and cable definition. The sample shown in the pattern photographs is knitted in Size S.

Yarn Requirements

Yarn yardage requirements scale with size, ranging from 10 balls (1,240 yards) for the smallest size to 22 balls (2,728 yards) for the largest size. The pattern specifies Valley Yarns Northfield in the Stone Blue colorway for the sample garment, though the pattern can be adapted to other colors within the same yarn line.

Needles and Tools

• US 6 (4mm) circular needles: Available in 32-inch or 40-inch lengths, used as the primary needles for the main fabric and gauge
• US 5 (3.5mm) needles: Any type and length, typically used for ribbing or edge sections requiring a tighter gauge
• Additional tools: Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, two cable needles for managing cable stitches, stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches temporarily, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends

Gauge and Pattern Specifications

Accurate gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements and ensuring proper cable definition. The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when blocked. The 25-stitch cable panel measurement is also provided as a reference point for cable gauge. Working to the correct gauge with Valley Yarns Northfield ensures