Delft - Fair Isle & Lace cardigan

Delft Fair Isle & Lace Cardigan by Judy Furlong

What is Being Made

The Delft is a three-quarter sleeve cardigan designed by Judy Furlong and originally published in The Knitter, Issue 55 (February 2013). This is an intermediate-level knitting project that combines Fair Isle colorwork with lace detailing, creating a sophisticated garment suitable for knitters with some experience in advanced techniques.

Construction Method & Steeking Technique

This cardigan is knitted primarily in the round, with only a few rows at the shoulders worked flat. The pattern showcases steeking, a traditional technique that allows the knitter to create a front opening without interrupting the circular knitting process. Steeking involves creating a column of stitches that will later be cut to form the cardigan's front opening, eliminating the need to switch between flat and circular knitting for the body and sleeves.

Steeking is a technique with Shetland knitting heritage, with the word "steek" deriving from Scots meaning to stitch or stick. While traditionally associated with Fair Isle knitting, steeking has become increasingly popular across various knitting styles as a method to convert flat knitting patterns for circular knitting construction. This approach makes the knitting process significantly easier and quicker to complete.

Shaping & Sleeve Details

Unlike many traditional steeked garments, the Delft features shaped armholes with fitted, set-in sleeves. This combination of techniques creates a more tailored silhouette while maintaining the efficiency benefits of circular knitting and steeking construction. The three-quarter length sleeves add versatility to the finished cardigan.

Stitches & Colorwork

• Fair Isle colorwork – A traditional stranded colorwork technique using multiple colors within rows to create patterned sections
• Lace stitches – Openwork stitch patterns that create decorative, breathable fabric sections
• Steeking stitches – A reinforcement column of stitches worked in the round that will be cut to create the front opening

Materials

This pattern is designed for DK weight yarn, a lightweight yarn suitable for creating garments with good drape and stitch definition. The pattern requires knitting needles appropriate for DK weight yarn in both circular and double-pointed needle configurations to accommodate the in-the-round construction and sleeve cap shaping.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern is best suited for knitters who have experience with Fair Isle colorwork, lace knitting, and are ready to tackle the advanced construction technique of steeking. Familiarity with circular knitting and fitted sleeve shaping is recommended before beginning this project.