Ray Cardigan

Ray Cardigan by belletricots beautiful knitwear

What is Being Made

The Ray Cardigan is a seamless, top-down raglan cardigan designed to be a versatile wardrobe staple. This knitted garment features a fitted yoke that transitions into a relaxed body, with long sleeves worked in the round. The cardigan is constructed with a button band and incorporates subtle lace detailing, making it both functional and decorative. Inspired by themes of brightness and positivity, this intermediate-level design offers a flattering silhouette suitable for everyday wear.

Construction Technique

The Ray Cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down, a popular method that allows for easy customization and fitting adjustments. The yoke and body are worked flat on long circular needles, while the sleeves are later knitted in the round using short circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPN's). This hybrid approach combines the benefits of flat knitting for the main body with the efficiency of circular knitting for the sleeves. The seamless construction eliminates the need for seaming, resulting in a smooth, professional finish.

Stitches and Increases

The cardigan utilizes raglan shaping through strategic increases worked on right-side rows. The pattern employs M1L (Make 1 Left) and M1R (Make 1 Right) increases positioned at marked raglan lines to create the distinctive sloped shoulders characteristic of raglan sleeves. Each increase row adds 10 stitches total, distributed across the yoke sections. Stitch markers are essential for tracking the raglan lines, button band placement, and lace pattern sections throughout the construction. The pattern includes lace detailing, adding visual interest and texture to the finished garment.

Yarn and Needles

The Ray Cardigan is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, specifically using West Yorkshire Spinners Illustrious DK in the Antique Gold colorway for the photographed sample. This yarn is a wool and alpaca blend, offering warmth, breathability, and a subtle sheen. Yardage requirements range from 950 to 1,650 meters depending on size, with each ball providing 225 meters. Knitters should use 3mm long circular needles for the body and yoke, and 4mm short circular needles or DPN's for sleeve knitting in the round. Proper gauge is essential; the pattern specifies 20 stitches by 30 rows equals 10 by 10 centimeters (4 inches) over stockinette stitch. Additional notions include 8 raglan markers, 2 button band markers, and 4 lace pattern markers.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Ray Cardigan requires foundational knitting skills including comfort with circular needles, seamless construction techniques, and marker management. Knitters should be familiar with basic increases (M1L and M1R), working flat and in the round, and reading pattern instructions. The top-down construction method makes this design accessible for intermediate knitters while offering enough complexity to develop advanced skills.