Leaves in motion

Leaves in Motion Cardigan by Ashley Knowlton

What is Being Made

Leaves in Motion is a knitted cardigan designed by Ashley Knowlton, featuring a distinctive loose-gauge construction with a fly-away silhouette. This intermediate-level cardigan showcases decorative leaf lace patterning throughout the design, creating an elegant and textured garment. The cardigan is available in seven sizes, with finished bust circumferences ranging from 31.25 inches (79.5 cm) to 56.25 inches (143 cm), making it suitable for a wide range of body measurements from approximately 29.25 inches (74 cm) to 51.75 inches (131.5 cm) recommended bust size.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This cardigan employs several intermediate knitting techniques that create its sophisticated appearance and structure. The loose-gauge construction is a defining characteristic, allowing the fabric to drape elegantly with a fly-away effect that gives the piece a light, airy quality. The leaf lace patterning is integrated throughout the design, requiring knitters to work with lace stitches that create openwork leaf motifs. The cardigan is constructed using circular needles for the main body sections, with additional small-diameter needles or magic loop technique employed for smaller circumference areas, demonstrating a modern approach to seamless garment construction.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch work features leaf lace patterns, which are a hallmark of this design. Lace stitches typically incorporate yarn overs and decreases to create the openwork leaf shapes characteristic of the cardigan's aesthetic. The pattern requires the use of stitch markers to track pattern repeats and maintain consistency throughout the garment sections. Knitters will need to manage multiple stitches across the circular needles and utilize stitch holders to temporarily secure stitches during construction, indicating a multi-part assembly process typical of cardigan patterns.

Yarn and Materials

The Leaves in Motion cardigan is designed to be worked in fingering weight yarn, which is a 4-ply yarn classification. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 800 yards (730 meters) for the smallest size to 1,440 yards (1,320 meters) for the largest size. Merino wool or wool blend yarns are recommended for this project, as they provide the elasticity and drape necessary for the loose-gauge lace construction. The pattern was originally shown in Knit Picks Bare Merino Wool, a 100% merino wool yarn offered in 440-yard (400-meter) hanks weighing 100 grams.

Needles and Notions Required

Construction of this cardigan requires US 8 (5mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches or longer for working the main body sections. Additionally, US 8 (5mm) double-pointed needles or a circular needle set up for magic loop technique is needed for smaller circumference areas. The pattern calls for four stitch holders to manage stitches during construction, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends, and blocking aids to properly set the finished garment and enhance the drape of the lace patterns.