Here's a top-down cardigan with lots of pretty details. It features a gorgeous ribbed cable that drops down the front and finishes off the curved right front hem. The ribbed cable is repeated on the slightly flared wide cuffs.

A shaped waist is accentuated with ribbing detail. The lower part of the cardigan is decorated with pretty flower and stem raised motifs on the right front and staggered in the back.

An asymmetrical design, longer length, and an alpaca blend yarn (Andean Silk yarn from Knit Picks, which has a very nice drape) complete this unique design.

For the OPTIONAL Top-Down Cardigan Techniques PDF Download, please visit this page. Written instructions are included in this pattern, but the OPTIONAL download may be helpful to some.

Errata corrected 11/17/14: On page 4, the Flowers and Stem chart, Row 12: the second twist should be a LT. Written part was correct, but chart symbol was wrong.

Fave/Queue this pattern on Ravelry.

Finished Knit Measurements: At Bust: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54)" [86.5 (96.5, 106.5, 117, 127, 137) cm] TO FIT SIZES: S (M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X) or Bust Sizes 32-34 (36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50, 52-54)" [81.5-86.5 (91.5-96.5, 101.5-106.5, 112-117, 122-127, 132-137) cm].

Skill Level:

Yarn Used: Knit Picks Andean Silk (55% Superfine Alpaca, 23% Silk, 22% Merino Wool); 1.75 oz/50 g [96 yds/88 m] per hank): 10 (10, 11, 11, 12, 13) balls in Sangria #23511.

Gauge(s):
Pattern Gauge: 16 sts = 4" [10 cm] and 23 rows = 4" [10 cm] in St st on Size 9 [5.5 mm] needles.
Yarn Label Gauge and Information: A worsted weight yarn with a gauge of 4.5 - 5 sts = 1" on US size 6 - 9 needles..

Total Yardage Required: Approximately 960 (960, 1056, 1056, 1152, 1248) yds [880 (880, 968, 968, 1056, 1144) m].

Some suggested yarn substitutes to try:
Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted
Blue Moon Fiber Arts Marine Silk Worsted
Cascade Yarns Alpaca Lana D'Oro
Rowan RYC Cashsoft Aran
The Fibre Company Organik
Elann.com Insence
Cascade Yarns Venezia Worsted
If you have a yarn substitute to suggest for this project, email us!

Knitting Needles Used: 1 - 24" long (or longer) circular knitting needle in Size 9 [5.5 mm] OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE (There are too many sts due to the top-down design for straight needles)
OPTIONAL (If you wish to knit sleeves in the round): 1 set of double pointed needles OR 1 - 12" long circular knitting needle in Size 9 [5.5 mm] OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE.

Please note: SweaterBabe.com patterns are authorized for home use only and are not to be knit/crocheted for resale. All pattern sales are final.