Arianwen

Arianwen Cardigan by Lucy Hague

What Is Being Made

The Arianwen is a flattering waterfall cardigan designed by Lucy Hague as a downloadable knitting pattern. This intermediate-level garment features a distinctive reversible cable pattern on the front panels, offering versatility in how the finished piece can be worn. The cardigan is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X, fitting chest measurements from 30 inches to 54 inches.

Construction Method

This cardigan uses a sideways construction technique, which means the pieces are knitted horizontally rather than vertically from top to bottom. The garment is knitted in two pieces, with construction beginning at the cuffs and working toward the body. This sideways approach allows for interesting shaping possibilities and contributes to the unique drape of the finished cardigan.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Arianwen incorporates several key stitches and techniques:

• Stockinette Stitch: Used for the main body sections, with a gauge of 18 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches after blocking
• Cable Pattern: Featured prominently on the front panels with a reversible design. The cable pattern achieves a gauge of 39 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches after blocking
• Cable Stitches: The pattern includes C16B (cable 16 back) and C16F (cable 16 front) maneuvers, which involve slipping 8 stitches to a cable needle and holding it to the back or front while working knit and purl combinations from the left needle, then completing the cable from the cable needle
• Knit and Purl Combinations: The cable sections utilize [k2, p2] (knit 2, purl 2) sequences worked twice, creating textured ribbed elements within the cable design

Materials and Tools

Needles: The pattern calls for 4.0mm (US size 6) needles for flat knitting, with long circular needles recommended for managing the fabric during sideways construction.

Yarn: The Arianwen requires lace-weight yarn in quantities ranging from 1315 yards for the smallest size (XS) to 2150 yards for the largest size (3X). The sample shown in the pattern was knitted using Rowan Fine Lace in the shade Jewel 936, a blend of 80% alpaca and 20% merino wool with a yardage of 437 yards per 50-gram ball. This luxurious fiber content creates a lightweight, draping garment ideal for the waterfall cardigan silhouette.

Additional Supplies: The pattern requires waste yarn for provisional cast-ons or stitch holders, a cable needle for executing the cable stitches, and a darning needle for weaving in ends and seaming if necessary.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Arianwen is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable working with cable stitches and managing gauge in multiple stitch patterns. The sideways construction and reversible cable pattern add complexity beyond beginner projects, making this an excellent choice for developing intermediate knitting abilities.

Finishing and Blocking

Blocking is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements and allowing the lace-weight yarn to fully bloom. The pattern provides specific gauges after blocking, indicating that proper finishing techniques are integral to the garment's final appearance and fit.