Falling Leaves Cardigan

Falling Leaves Cardigan by Sian Brown

Project Overview

The Falling Leaves Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted garment designed by Sian Brown. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a sophisticated cardigan featuring decorative beadwork and lace detailing. The design is suitable for multiple sizes, ranging from 8-10 through 20-22, making it accessible for various body types.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a complete cardigan with long sleeves and a structured fit. The garment is designed to fit bust measurements of 92cm (34½ inches) through 122cm (48 inches), with length to shoulder ranging from 36cm to 42cm (14¼ to 16½ inches) depending on size. Sleeve length measures approximately 15-16cm (6-6¼ inches). The cardigan features a decorative lace pattern throughout, enhanced with strategically placed beads for visual interest.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate project employs several advanced knitting techniques to create its distinctive aesthetic. The pattern utilizes yarn overs (yf) to create the lace effect characteristic of the falling leaves design. Decreases are achieved using the s2kpo technique (slip 2 stitches as if to knit them together, knit 1, then pass the 2 slipped stitches over), which creates a centered double decrease that is essential for the leaf-like shaping. The pattern also incorporates beading techniques, with beads threaded onto the yarn before knitting begins and placed strategically throughout the work using the Pb (place bead) method, where yarn is taken to the back, the bead is slid close to the work, a stitch is slipped, and yarn is brought back to the front.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the cardigan is stockinette stitch (st st), which provides a smooth, classic base for the lace pattern. The lace pattern itself is created through a combination of yarn overs and centered double decreases (s2kpo), which work together to form the falling leaves motif. The pattern includes a knit into back of stitch (K1B) technique for additional texture variation. Reverse stockinette sections (purl rows) are used to balance the pattern and create definition between pattern repeats.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This cardigan is knitted using Rico Essential DK yarn in the Light Teal shade 29. The yardage required varies by size: 4 balls (50g each) for sizes 8-10, and 5 balls for sizes 12-14 and 16-18, increasing to 6 balls for size 20-22. DK weight yarn is a medium-weight option that provides good stitch definition for lace patterns while remaining relatively quick to knit. The pattern requires two sizes of knitting needles: 3.25mm (US 3) needles for ribbed sections and a circular 3.25mm (US 3) needle, paired with 4mm (US 6) needles for the main fabric. The cardigan is embellished with approximately 100-130 beads depending on size, which are threaded onto the yarn before knitting begins.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The specified gauge is 22 stitches and 30 rows to a 10cm (4-inch) square when working stockinette stitch using 4mm needles. Maintaining this gauge ensures the cardigan will fit to the intended measurements and that the lace pattern will have the correct proportions and drape.