Laventeli

Laventeli Cardigan by SuviKnits

What is Being Made

Laventeli is an open front cardigan with a V-neck and a distinctive lace collar. Designed by Suvi Simola, this seamless knit cardigan offers two length options—a regular length and a long version—allowing knitters to customize the finished garment to their preference. The cardigan is constructed using a top-down seamless method, making it an ideal project for advanced knitters seeking a sophisticated, wearable design.

Construction Technique

This cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down, combining two different working methods. The body is worked back and forth in flat rows, while the sleeves are worked in the round using circular needles. This hybrid approach minimizes seaming while maintaining the ease of flat knitting for the body sections. The collar edges are finished with an i-cord that is worked simultaneously with the collar itself, creating a polished, professional edge. The cardigan is designed with approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) of positive ease built into each size, ensuring a comfortable, relaxed fit when worn.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch structure is Stockinette stitch, which forms the smooth, classic fabric base of the cardigan. The defining design feature is the lace collar, which incorporates decorative lace patterning to create visual interest at the neckline. Standard knitting abbreviations are used throughout the pattern, including:

• k - knit
• k2tog - knit 2 stitches together (a right-leaning decrease)
• M1L - make 1 left (a left-slanting increase worked by inserting the left needle from front to back under the strand of yarn between needles)
• CO - cast on

Yarn and Materials

Laventeli is designed for 4-ply yarn weight, a medium-weight yarn that provides structure and drape suitable for a tailored cardigan. The pattern specifies a gauge of 24.5 stitches and 32 rows in Stockinette stitch over 4 inches (10 centimeters) after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and fit. Circular needles are required for working the sleeves in the round, and straight needles or the circular needle method can be used for the flat body sections.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The Laventeli cardigan is available in six sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL. The finished bust circumference with fronts overlapped ranges from 32 ¼ inches (82 centimeters) in the smallest size to 49 ¼ inches (125 centimeters) in the largest size. The pattern shown in photographs is worked in size M, providing a visual reference for the finished appearance and proportions.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as advanced difficulty, making it well-suited for experienced knitters. The combination of seamless top-down construction, lace collar work, and simultaneous i-cord finishing requires solid foundational knitting skills, comfort with increases and decreases, and the ability to work both flat and in the round. Advanced knitters will appreciate the technical challenge and the refined finished garment.