The Design

“Light and pretty.”

A timeless little cardi always manages to look modern. Ours has classic details: a pretty, jewel neckline, knit-a-long button bands, full- or bracelet-length sleeves. In eight sizes, and with two sleeve lengths, you can make this cardigan just right for you.

We’ve knit our Quintessential Cardigan in a combination of two incredible yarns from Isager—Alpaca 1 and Silk Mohair. One a lace-weight strand of 100% baby alpaca, the other a lace-weight blend of kid mohair and silk, they unite in one glorious fabric. The weightless halo of Silk Mohair is grounded by the soft drape of Alpaca 1 for one of our prettiest cardis ever.

Grab the pattern above and choose a color from our selection of favorite shades of Isager Alpaca 1 and Isager Silk Mohair. See the Basic Details tab for sizing information. Note: for ease of ordering, we have combined some sizes. Size Extra Small is for finished bust sizes 33 & 36"; size Small is for finished bust sizes 39, 42 & 45"; size Medium is for finished bust size 48"; and size Large is for finished bust sizes 51 & 54".

The Details

SIZES
Cardigan is designed with approx. 2–4"/5–10cm of ease. You can choose a size that will fit more closely or more oversized. Details given for smallest size, larger sizes in parentheses ( ).

Note: for ease of ordering the Isager yarns, we have combined some sizes. Size Extra Small is for finished bust sizes 33 & 36"; size Small is for finished bust sizes 39, 42 & 45"; size Medium is for finished bust size 48"; and size Large is for finished bust sizes 51 & 54".

Finished bust:
33 (36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54)"/84 (91.5, 99, 106.5, 114, 122, 129.5, 137)cm, after seaming and blocking.

To fit bust:
29−31 (32-34, 35-37, 38-40, 41-43, 44-46, 47-49, 50-52)"/74-79 (81-86, 89-94, 97-102, 104-109, 112-117, 119-124, 127-132)cm.

LENGTHS
Finished body length:
Measured from high shoulder (where shoulder meets neck) to hem.
20¼ (20½, 20¾, 20¾, 21, 21¼, 21½, 21¾)"/51.5 (52, 52.5, 52.5, 53, 54, 54.5, 55)cm.
Full-length sleeve:
Measured from shoulder point to cuff:
21¾ (22¼, 22½, 22¾, 23, 23, 23½, 23¾)"/55 (56.5, 57, 58, 58.5, 58.5, 59.5, 60)cm.
Bracelet-length sleeve:
Measured from shoulder point to cuff:
17¾ (18¼, 18½, 18¾, 19, 19, 19½, 19¾)"/45 (46, 47, 47.5, 48, 48, 49.5, 51)cm.
Elbow-length sleeve:
Measured from shoulder point to cuff (approx. an inch or two above inner elbow crease):
10"/25.5cm, or desired length.

YARN
3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) skeins Isager Alpaca 1 (437 yds/400m each) AND
5 (5, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7) skeins Isager Silk Mohair (231 yds/211m each).

Shown in color 2s Alpaca 1 and color 0 Silk Mohair, with both yarns held together throughout.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 6 (3.75mm) 24"/60cm circular needle, or size to obtain gauge.
US 4 (3.25mm) 24"/60cm circular needle, or two US sizes/.5mm smaller than gauge needle.
Stitch markers: 2 ring markers; 8 locking markers or coiless safety pins for ‘clip-and- turn’ short-row shaping, button placement, and setting in sleeves.
2 stitch holders.
Darning needle to finish.
Seven ⅝"/16mm buttons; needle and thread.

GAUGE
22 sts/30 rows = 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch on larger needle, after blocking.

Errata & Clarifications

KNITTER'S NOTES
To be sure your garment turns out the right size, it’s important to swatch until you get the correct gauge. Stitch gauge determines the fit; row gauge affects the length.

Cast on 33 sts for a nice big swatch approx. 6"/15cm-wide; work in St St for 6"/15cm; bind off loosely. Measure and note unblocked gauge for reference when knitting.

Wet block your swatch; let rest for a day or two. Measure again—gauge may change after it relaxes.

Cardigan is worked at 22 sts/30 rows = 4"/10cm. Measure center 4"/10com of swatch (edge stitches may be distorted).

If you have more sts or rows per "/cm, your gauge is a little tight; try swatching again on larger needle. If you have fewer sts or rows per "/cm, your gauge is a little loose; try again on smaller needle.