Sometimes, a lace stitch can be so amazing that it inspires an entire design!

Dramatic, bold lace panels are the main elements that define this gorgeous top-down design. Feminine detailing adds to the beauty and keeps the cardigan versatile and very flattering. The back and sleeves are first knit from the top down, with shaping at the waist to ensure a fitted silhouette.

The sleeves end at a chic ¾-length with a lace border. The slight fullness of the sleeves gives the cardigan a kimono-like air and makes this an easy layering piece over tunics, as well as your slim-fitting tops.

The fronts are then picked up and knit sideways, with decreases to create their tapered shape. They can be wrapped sexily around your waist, creating a lovely lacy v-neck, pinned creatively, or left open to drape.

Snaps can be added as fasteners or a decorative shawl pin can be used as a beautiful closure.

See the blog post on this cardigan, along with over 300 comments!

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.
Fave/Queue this pattern on Ravelry.
Finished Knit Measurements: At Bust: 31 (35, 39, 43, 47, 51, 55)" [78.5 (89, 99, 109, 119.5, 129.5, 140) cm]. This is 2 times the width of the back at the bust. Because the fronts of this cardigan can be left open or wrapped to fit, choose your size based on how you wish the cardigan to fit based on your back measurements.
TO FIT SIZES: XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X) or Bust Sizes 28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50, 52-54)" [71-76 (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 Swish Worsted (100% Superwash Merino Wool); 1.75 oz/50 g [110 yds/101 m] per ball): 8 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14) balls in Squirrel Heather #24090.

Gauge(s):
Pattern Gauge: 16 sts = 4" [10 cm] and 22 rows = 4" [10 cm] in St st.
Yarn Label Gauge and Information: A worsted weight yarn with a gauge of 4.5 - 5 sts = 1" on size 6 - 9..

Total Yardage Required: Approx 880 (880, 990, 1100, 1210, 1320, 1540) [808 (808, 909, 1010, 1111, 1212, 1414) m].

Some suggested yarn substitutes to try:
Cascade Yarns 220 Heathers or 220 Wool
100purewool.com Worsted Merino Single
Knit Picks Wool of the Andes
Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted
Berroco Ultra Alpaca
Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran
Gedifra Cashmerino
Garnstudio Drops Nepal
These and more suggestions on the Ravelry Project pages for this pattern.
If you have a yarn substitute to suggest for this project, email us!

Knitting Needles Used: Size 10 [6 mm] 24" or longer circular knitting needles OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE (there are too many sts when working the cardigan to fit on straight needles); Size 10 [6 mm]: 1 set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) OR 12" (16" will also work for sizes L, 1X, 2X, and 3X) circular knitting needle OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE.

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