Waterfall Cardigan

Waterfall Cardigan by Sian Brown

What is Being Made

The Waterfall Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Sian Brown, featuring a distinctive cascading lace pattern that creates a flowing, waterfall effect down the front and body of the garment. This intermediate-level knitting project is worked in one piece from the bottom of the right side, working back and forth in rows, which streamlines construction and minimizes seaming. The cardigan is designed to fit bust sizes ranging from 32 to 46 inches (82 to 117 cm), with finished bust measurements from 81 to 117 cm and length to back neck ranging from 19¾ to 24¾ inches depending on size selected.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several intermediate knitting techniques that create both structure and visual interest. The garment utilizes circular knitting needles worked flat, a technique that allows for working large pieces without the bulk of straight needles while maintaining the ability to work back and forth in rows. The construction method of working the back and fronts in one piece reduces finishing work and creates seamless integration between sections.

The signature waterfall effect is achieved through lace knitting techniques, which involve strategic yarn overs and decreases to create openwork patterns. The pattern uses yarn forward (yf) increases paired with knit two together (k2tog) and slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skpo) decreases to maintain stitch count while forming the cascading lace motif. The make one (m1) stitch technique is also employed for additional shaping and texture variation.

Ribbed edging is created through garter stitch borders (knit 5 rows) at the cast-on edge, providing a stable foundation and finished appearance. The garment features stockinette stitch (st st) as the primary fabric base, which provides a smooth canvas for the lace pattern to stand out visually.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (p) – used in combination with knit stitches for textural variation and shaping
• Yarn forward (yf) – creates deliberate holes in the fabric essential to the waterfall lace pattern
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease that pairs with yarn overs to form lace motifs
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skpo) – a left-leaning decrease that balances the k2tog decreases in the lace pattern
• Make one (m1) – an increase stitch used for shaping and pattern development
• Stockinette stitch (st st) – the primary fabric created by alternating knit and purl rows
• Garter stitch – created by knitting every row, used for edging and borders

Materials and Specifications

The Waterfall Cardigan requires Rico Essentials Cotton DK yarn in the shade Dusky Pink 19. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 5 to 9 balls of 50g weight depending on the finished bust measurement selected. The DK weight yarn provides an ideal balance of drape and structure for displaying the lace pattern while maintaining the cardigan's fluid, cascading silhouette.

Knitting needles required include both straight and circular options in two sizes: 3.75mm (US 5) needles and 4mm (US 6) needles, available in both straight and circular formats. The smaller 3.75mm needles are used for the cast-on and initial ribbed edging to create a snug, elastic foundation, while the larger 4mm needles are used for the main body fabric where the lace pattern develops.

The pattern is worked to a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows to a 10cm (4 inch) square over stockinette stitch on 4mm needles. Achieving this tension is critical for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the lace pattern displays properly. Short sleeves measuring 15cm (6 inches) complete the design, making this an ideal transitional or layering piece.