Lime Sorbet

Lime Sorbet Cardigan by BeckyinVT

What is Being Made

Lime Sorbet is a seamless summer cardigan designed by Becky Herrick and published by Sugar Tree Designs. This spunky, fun garment features a button-front closure and is available in nine sizes ranging from 32.75 inches to 56.5 inches bust circumference. The cardigan is crafted to be both sassy and practical for warm-weather wear, making it an ideal layering piece for spring and summer seasons.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several advanced construction techniques that create a polished, professional finish. The cardigan is worked seamlessly, meaning the body and sleeves are knitted as continuous pieces rather than separately and sewn together. The body is worked from the hem up in a bottom-up construction method. Once the shoulder shaping is complete, stitches are picked up around the armholes and sleeves are worked from the top down. Short row shaping is used to create custom-fitted sleeve caps, allowing for better shoulder definition and a more tailored silhouette. Turned hems provide a clean, finished edge at the hem and cuffs.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout this cardigan is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance. Twisted stitch rib is incorporated into the design, likely used for ribbed edgings and cuffs to provide structure and elasticity. The gauge is 24 stitches and 31 rows per 4-inch (10 cm) square in stockinette stitch, which is typical for sport weight yarn and contributes to a lightweight, breathable fabric suitable for summer wear.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

• Yarn: Periwinkle Sheep Merino Sport, 100% superwash merino wool
• Yardage per skein: 270 yards per 100 grams
• Color: Avocado
• Yarn weight: Sport weight
• Total yardage required: 902 to 1957 yards depending on size (4 to 8 skeins)
• Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles or straight needles for the body, with double-pointed needles for sleeve construction, or size needed to obtain proper gauge
• Notions: Seven 0.5-inch (1.5 cm) buttons, 4 stitch markers, stitch holder, and tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Pattern Details

The Lime Sorbet cardigan is graded across nine sizes to accommodate a wide range of body types and preferences. The superwash merino yarn selected is ideal for summer garments, offering breathability, softness, and easy care. The sport weight yarn combined with the 24-stitch gauge creates a fabric with excellent drape while maintaining structural integrity. The seamless construction method reduces finishing work and creates invisible seams, while the short row shaping in the sleeve caps ensures a comfortable, well-fitting armhole. The turned hems add a professional touch and prevent rolling at the edges, a common issue with stockinette stitch.