Drape Cardigan in Rowan Pure Alpaca - Downloadable PDF

Drape Cardigan in Rowan Pure Alpaca

What is Being Made

The Drape Cardigan is a sophisticated knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson, available in nine size options to fit chest measurements ranging from 71-76 cm up to 152-157 cm. This garment features a flattering drape construction with carefully shaped armholes and shoulders, making it suitable for a range of body types and fit preferences. The finished cardigan chest measurements span from 81.5 cm to 163.5 cm, allowing for various wearing ease options depending on desired fit.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques appropriate for advanced beginner to intermediate knitters. The construction involves strategic decreasing at the armhole edges to create shaped, fitted sleeves. The pattern uses turning and working each side of the neck separately, a technique that allows for precise shaping of the neckline and shoulder areas. Casting off is used strategically to shape shoulders, with staggered cast-offs creating a gradual shoulder slope. The pattern also incorporates holding stitches on holders during construction, enabling the knitter to work different sections independently before joining or finishing them.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern primarily utilizes knit and purl stitches in a structured construction. The garment is worked with alternating row decreases at specific intervals—the pattern specifies decreasing on alternating rows over multiple row sequences to achieve the cardigan's shaped silhouette. Decreases are worked at both the armhole edges and the neck edges, with the pattern indicating precise stitch counts at each stage of construction to maintain proper shaping and proportions.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This cardigan is designed to be knitted using Rowan Pure Alpaca, a luxurious yarn made from pure alpaca fiber. The yarn is supplied in 50-gram balls, with yardage requirements varying by size—ranging from 10 balls for the smallest size up to 19 balls for the largest size. The specific yarn weight classification (373) indicates a lightweight to sport weight yarn, ideal for creating the elegant drape characteristic of this design. While the PDF content provided does not specify exact needle sizes, knitters should refer to the complete pattern documentation for recommended needle gauge and size specifications to ensure proper fit and fabric characteristics.