Lace Rib Cardigan

Lace Rib Cardigan by Katrine H

What is Being Made

The Lace Rib Cardigan is a knitted garment featuring an elegant combination of ribbed and lace stitch patterns. This intermediate-level cardigan is designed in one size Medium with a full length of approximately 72 cm (28 inches) and a full width of 128 cm (50 inches), making it a substantial layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Yarn and Materials

This cardigan is crafted using Alpakka Tweed yarn in color 113 Natur, which is an aran-weight yarn. The project requires 13 skeins total, with 9 skeins used for the body and the remaining skeins allocated to sleeves, bands, and finishing elements. The yarn choice provides a textured, tweedy appearance that complements the lace rib stitch pattern.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for 4 mm (US 6) circular needles measuring 40 inches for the main knitting. Additionally, 6 mm (US 10) needles are recommended for the cast-on edge to ensure an elastic, non-restrictive opening. The designer notes that for those who knit loosely, 3.5 mm (US 4) needles may be substituted to achieve the correct gauge.

Gauge and Fit

The specified gauge is 14 stitches over 10 cm (4 inches) using the 4 mm needles. The designer emphasizes the importance of knitting a test swatch to match this gauge before beginning the project. Gauge adjustments are straightforward: increase needle size if your gauge is too tight, or decrease needle size if your gauge is too loose. This flexibility allows knitters with varying tension to achieve the intended finished dimensions.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The primary stitch pattern is the Lace Rib Stitch, which combines ribbing with lace elements to create visual interest and drape. This stitch is worked back and forth on the needles rather than in the round.

• Lace Rib Stitch Pattern: The repeating pattern consists of purl and knit stitches combined with yarn overs and decreases. Row 1 features *Purl 2, yarn over, purl 2 together* repeats, while Row 2 features *Knit 2* repeats (pattern continues as specified in the PDF). This alternating structure creates the characteristic lace rib appearance.
• Yarn Over (YO): An eyelet-creating technique that increases stitches and forms the lace elements within the ribbed structure.
• Purl 2 Together (P2tog): A left-leaning decrease that pairs with yarn overs to maintain stitch count while creating the lace pattern.
• Cast-On Methods: The pattern recommends using larger needles (6 mm) for the initial cast-on to prevent a tight edge. For an even more elastic opening, the Old Norwegian Cast-On Method is suggested as an alternative.
• Needle Switching: The technique of changing from larger to smaller needles after the cast-on row is employed to create a refined edge while maintaining the intended gauge for the body.

Construction Method

The cardigan body is constructed by knitting the lace rib stitch pattern back and forth on the needles, beginning with 180 cast-on stitches. This flat construction method allows for straightforward shaping and finishing. The body accounts for 9 of the 13 skeins used in the project, indicating substantial yardage dedicated to the main garment piece before sleeves and bands are added.

Skill Level and Recommendations

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with lace stitch patterns and manage gauge consistency. The designer strongly recommends knitting a test swatch prior to beginning, emphasizing that proper gauge matching is essential for achieving the intended finished measurements and drape of the garment.