Business in the Front

Business in the Front Cardigan by Corrine Walcher

What is Being Made

Business in the Front is a women's cardigan designed by Corrine Walcher that combines a tailored stockinette front with a playful lace back. This knitted cardigan features a button-front closure and is available in six sizes ranging from 32 to 52 inches in chest circumference. The design is engineered to flatter multiple body types while maintaining a sophisticated, professional appearance on the front and a more casual, decorative aesthetic on the back.

Design Features and Construction

The cardigan showcases a striking contrast between its business-appropriate front and its party-ready back. The front features clean stockinette stitch in a solid color, creating a polished, professional look suitable for work or formal occasions. The back incorporates stretchy lace patterning that eliminates the need for traditional waist shaping, providing comfort and ease of movement while maintaining an elegant silhouette.

Color work is strategically placed throughout the design for visual interest. The left sleeve incorporates color changes that coordinate with the main gradient yarn, while the button placket and button band feature complementary color work that adds a feminine, decorative touch without overwhelming the structured front.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Stockinette Stitch: Used for the front panels to create a smooth, professional appearance
• Lace Knitting: Applied to the back of the cardigan for texture and visual interest while maintaining stretch and breathability
• Color Work: Intarsia or stranded techniques used for the left sleeve and button band color changes
• Seamless Construction: The cardigan is designed to minimize seaming while maintaining structural integrity

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitches used in this cardigan include stockinette stitch for the main body and front panels, and lace stitches for the back section. The lace pattern is specifically designed to be stretchy, reducing the need for fitted waist shaping and allowing the cardigan to accommodate various body shapes comfortably. Color changes are incorporated using techniques suitable for DK-weight yarn, creating clean transitions between the gradient yarn and coordinating solid colors.

Yarn and Materials

Business in the Front is designed to showcase Neighborhood Fiber Company's Studio DK gradient set and coordinating Studio DK yarn. The gradient set consists of five mini skeins, each containing 100% Superwash Merino wool with 144 yards per 60-gram skein. The coordinating solid-color yarn is also 100% Superwash Merino, offering 275 yards per 100-gram skein. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 2 skeins for the smallest sizes to 5 skeins for the largest size. The sample cardigan was knit using the Shades of Jade gradient paired with Patterson Park as the coordinating color.

The superwash treatment on the merino wool makes this cardigan easy to care for, as it can be machine washed, adding practical value for everyday wear. The DK-weight yarn provides excellent stitch definition for both the stockinette and lace sections.

Needles and Tools

This project requires US #5 (3.75mm) needles. The needle size is carefully chosen to work with DK-weight yarn and create the appropriate gauge for the cardigan's fit and drape. Circular needles are typically used for seamless or minimal-seam construction, though the pattern specifications should be consulted for exact needle requirements.

Difficulty Level

Business in the Front is rated as an intermediate knitting project. Knitters should be comfortable with stockinette stitch, basic lace knitting, color work techniques, and garment construction. The combination of stitch patterns, color changes, and fitted shaping requires more experience than a beginner project but is achievable for knitters with solid foundational skills.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The cardigan is available in six sizes with finished chest measurements of 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, and 52 inches. Sleeve circumferences range from 15.5 to 20.5 inches depending on size, and length varies from 13 to 16 inches from cast-on edge to underarm, accommodating different proportions and preferences.