Draped Lace Edge Cardigan

Draped Lace Edge Cardigan by Sian Brown

What is Being Made

The Draped Lace Edge Cardigan is a women's knitted cardigan designed by Sian Brown, available in eight sizes ranging from 32 to 46 inches bust. This garment features a sophisticated lace edge detail and is constructed as a single piece beginning at the bottom of the right side. The finished cardigan offers a tailored fit with bust measurements from 81 to 117 centimeters and a length to back neck varying from 63 to 71 centimeters depending on size. Sleeve length ranges from 44 to 46 centimeters across the size range.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its elegant drape and lace detailing. The cardigan is worked in one continuous piece from the bottom up using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction and greater flexibility in shaping. The garment begins with a garter stitch border, created by knitting five rows flat on smaller needles to establish a firm, finished edge. The transition to larger needles and stockinette stitch creates the main body fabric, while lace patterning is incorporated through strategic yarn-over and decrease sequences.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch: Formed by knitting every row, creating a textured, reversible fabric used for the initial border rows
• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch throughout the main body, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side
• Yarn forward (yf): Creates deliberate openings in the fabric for lace patterning
• Knit two together through back loop (k2tog tbl): A left-leaning decrease used in lace motifs
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease paired with yarn-overs for balanced lace effects
• Slip, pass slipped stitch over (sl, psso): An alternative decrease technique for lace construction
• Make one (m1): An increase stitch for shaping and lace patterning
• Slip stitch: Used for various finishing and joining techniques
• Through back loop (tbl): A modification that twists stitches for specific textural or structural effects

Materials and Needles

This cardigan is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, specifically using 12 to 19 balls of 50-gram yarn depending on the finished size. The pattern calls for Bergere de France Oceane in the shade Vague, a yarn choice that complements the lace detailing with its fluid drape characteristics. The project requires two pairs of straight knitting needles in sizes 3.75mm (US 5) and 4mm (US 6), as well as circular needles in both the same sizes. The smaller needles are used for the initial ribbed or garter stitch borders to create a firm, finished edge, while the larger needles accommodate the main body stitches and allow for the lace patterning to develop properly. Working tension is established at 23 stitches and 29 rows per 10-centimeter square over stockinette stitch on the 4mm needles, making accurate gauge measurement essential for proper fit.