Hopp

Hopp Cardigan by Yarn-Madness

What is Being Made

Hopp is a seamless, top-down cardigan designed for adult women. The name "Hopp" means "hope" in Swedish, reflecting the optimistic spirit of this flattering garment. The cardigan features decorative lace panels throughout the design, creating an intriguing visual element that makes it a true eye-catcher. The pattern offers versatility with instructions for both buttoned and tied closure options, allowing knitters to customize the finished look according to personal preference.

Sizing and Fit

The Hopp cardigan is available in eight sizes ranging from XS/S/M/L to XL/2X/3X/4X. Actual garment measurements across the bust span from 30 to 48.5 inches (76 to 123 cm), accommodating a wide range of body types. The pattern recommends allowing some negative ease for an optimal, flattering fit. The featured sample garment shown is size XL with a 40.5-inch bust measurement, photographed on a 44-inch bust for reference.

Construction Technique

The Hopp cardigan employs a seamless, top-down construction method. This approach offers several advantages for knitters: the garment is built from the neckline downward in one continuous piece, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a more cohesive final product. The top-down method also allows for easy try-ons during the knitting process and provides flexibility for adjusting length before binding off. The decorative lace panels are integrated throughout the body of the cardigan, requiring attention to stitch placement and pattern repeats.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches and techniques appropriate for an intermediate-level knitter:

• Knit (K) - the basic knit stitch forming the foundation of the fabric
• Purl (P) - used to create texture and design elements
• Knit into the front and back (kfb) - an increase technique that creates one additional stitch, used for shaping the raglan construction
• Lace panels - decorative openwork sections that add visual interest and sophistication to the design
• Raglan shaping - the cardigan uses raglan-style increases to create the armhole and sleeve cap shaping

The pattern includes standard abbreviations such as st(s) for stitch(es), CO for cast on, RS for right side, WS for wrong side, pm for place marker, and ppm for place pattern marker. These abbreviations guide knitters through the construction process with clarity and precision.

Yarn and Materials

The Hopp cardigan is designed to work with worsted weight yarn, offering flexibility in yarn selection. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 500 to 950 yards (460 to 870 meters). The featured sample garment uses 660 yards of Madeline Tosh Vintage, a worsted weight yarn, demonstrating the beautiful results achievable with quality yarn choices.

Knitting is worked on 5.5 mm (US 9) circular needles, which are essential for the seamless, top-down construction method. Circular needles allow for working in the round and accommodating the increasing stitch count as the cardigan expands from the neckline downward.

Difficulty Level

The Hopp cardigan is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project. While the seamless top-down construction and raglan shaping require some experience, the use of fundamental stitches and straightforward techniques makes it accessible to knitters who have mastered basic knitting skills and are ready to tackle more complex garment construction.