Suzanne Elizabeth Adult

Suzanne Elizabeth Adult by Taiga Hilliard Designs

What is Being Made

The Suzanne Elizabeth is a hybrid garment that combines the elegance of a shrug with the versatility of an open cardigan. This adult-sized piece features a striking lace back panel and is designed to transition seamlessly between casual and dressy occasions. The pattern offers two sleeve length options—short or half length—allowing customization based on personal preference and seasonal needs. The finished garment works beautifully styled over a sundress for warm weather or paired with jeans for everyday wear.

Construction Method

This knitting pattern uses a top-down construction approach, which allows knitters to try on the piece as it develops and easily adjust the length. The body and lace back are worked from the top down, while the sleeves are knit in the round for a seamless finish. The edging is picked up and worked after the main body is complete, providing a polished frame for the garment.

Stitches and Techniques

The Suzanne Elizabeth incorporates several intermediate-level knitting techniques that add visual interest and sophistication:

• Lace work: The signature lace back is presented in both charted and written-out formats, making it accessible to knitters who prefer either method. Lace stitches create an open, delicate texture that showcases the yarn beautifully.
• Yarn overs (YO): Used throughout the lace pattern to create the openwork design characteristic of lace knitting.
• Decreases: Slip, slip, knit (SSK) and knit two together (K2tog) decreases are used to shape the garment and balance yarn overs in the lace pattern.
• Increases: Knit into the front and back of the stitch (Kfb) and make one (M1) increases are employed for shaping.
• Circular knitting: The sleeves are worked in the round, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, professional finish.
• Marker placement: Strategic use of place markers (Pm) and slip markers (Sm) helps track pattern repeats and shaping points.

Yarn and Needle Requirements

The pattern is designed for Aran weight yarn, with the sample garment knit in Malabrigo Rios in Lettuce. However, the pattern is versatile and suitable for Sport, DK, or worsted weight yarns as well, providing flexibility for yarn substitution.

The pattern calls for US size 8 (5.00 mm) needles for the main fabric and US size 6 (4.00 mm) needles for edging, though knitters should use whichever needle size is necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Circular needles are recommended for the in-the-round sleeve construction.

Sizing and Yardage

The Suzanne Elizabeth is available in nine sizes ranging from XXS to 4XL, with chest measurements from 29 inches to 51 inches. Yardage requirements scale with size, ranging from 300 yards for the smallest size to 700 yards for the largest, making this pattern accessible to knitters with varying yarn quantities on hand.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches on the larger needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the finished garment to fit as intended, particularly important given the range of sizes offered.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Suzanne Elizabeth is suitable for knitters with experience in basic shaping, lace work, and circular knitting. The inclusion of both charted and written lace instructions accommodates different learning preferences, making the pattern approachable for intermediate-level crafters looking to expand their skills.