This is a strictly feminine cardigan with lovely peplum waist and lots of pretty detailing. It's another great top-down design to minimize seaming and allow you the option of easily adjusting sleeve and body length.
The collar, front, and peplum shaping inserts feature a simple mock cable rib (done using basic lace technique, no cable needles!). The sleeves are shown 3/4 length with a bold open lace medallion design and subtly flared shaping.

The waist is further accented with a wide ribbon held in place with mock cable belt loops that appear to extend beautifully from each "gored" peplum shaping insert. The back features the same peplum styling and belt loops for a great-looking cardigan whether the wearer is coming or going! (If you're not a fan of belts, the cardigan also looks great if you leave off the belt and belt loops.)

Knit in a soft, organically grown dyed cotton from Blue Sky Alpacas, available in beautifully vibrant colors, like the Mediterranean blue shown here.

See it discussed on the SweaterBabe.com Blog.

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: Finished Knit Chest Size: 29 (33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53)" [73.5 (84, 94, 104, 114.5, 124.5, 134.5) cm]
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: Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Cotton (100% Organically Grown Cotton); 3.5 oz/100 g [150 yds/137 m] per skein): 5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8) hanks in Mediterranean #632.

Gauge(s):
Pattern Gauge: 16 stitches = 4" [10 cm] and approx. 22 rows = 4" [10 cm] in St st on Size 9 [5.5mm] needles.
Yarn Label Gauge and Information: A medium/worsted weight yarn with a gauge of 4–5 sts per inch on size 7–9 US / 4.5–5.5 mm needles..

Total Yardage Required: Approximately 750 (750, 900, 900, 1050, 1050, 1200) yds [685 (685, 822, 822, 959, 959, 1096) m].

Some suggested yarn substitutes to try:
If you have a yarn substitute to suggest for this project, email us!

Knitting Needles Used: 24 to 32" long (or longer) circular needle in Size 9 [5.5mm] OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE (there are too many stitches to comfortably knit on straight needles) AND
24" long (or longer) circular needle in Size 8 [5mm].

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