Pont Neuf

Pont Neuf Cardigan by Tin Can Knits

What Is Being Made

Pont Neuf is a seamless, top-down cardigan designed by Emily Wessel for Tin Can Knits. This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated lace panel detail on the front, combined with classic garter stitch bands. The cardigan is constructed as a single continuous piece, beginning at the yoke and working downward to create the body and sleeves without seaming.

Finished Measurements

The cardigan is available in eight sizes with bust measurements ranging from 31 ½ inches to 58 inches (80 to 147.5 cm). The design is intended to be worn with 0–2 inches (0–5 cm) of negative ease, meaning it fits close to the body. Length varies by size from 22 inches to 29 ½ inches (56 to 75 cm).

Construction Techniques

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques that define its intermediate difficulty level:

• Top-down seamless construction: The yoke is worked first using a provisional cast-on method, establishing the foundation for the entire garment
• Yoke shaping: Strategic decreases are worked on right-side rows to create the proper sleeve cap and shoulder slope, with markers placed to define different sections of the yoke
• Lace panel integration: After the main body and sleeves are completed, stitches are picked up and knit to create a decorative lace panel on the front of the cardigan
• Garter stitch finishing: Garter stitch bands are added at the hem, collar, and front edges to frame the cardigan and provide structure
• Buttonband construction: The front edges are finished with a button band, making this a fully functional cardigan

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern incorporates fundamental and intermediate stitches suitable for knitters with some experience:

• Knit and purl stitches: Form the foundation of the main body fabric
• Decreases: K2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) are used throughout the yoke shaping rows to create proper garment shaping
• Lace stitches: The front lace panel features openwork stitching that adds visual interest and demonstrates intermediate lace-knitting techniques
• Garter stitch: Knit on both right-side and wrong-side rows to create the textured bands at edges and hem

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Pont Neuf is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, a medium-light yarn that creates a fabric with good drape and stitch definition ideal for showcasing the lace panel and garter stitch details. The pattern calls for larger needles for the yoke and main construction, though specific needle sizes are referenced within the full pattern instructions. The yarn requirements vary by size to accommodate the range of finished measurements.

Design Features

This cardigan combines classic and contemporary elements. The seamless top-down construction provides excellent fit customization, while the lace panel adds a sophisticated design detail that elevates the piece beyond a basic cardigan. The garter stitch bands provide both functional and aesthetic framing, and the button closure makes it a practical layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.