I love knitting lace and love the way lace looks. At the same time, I love wearing cardigans. Thus, I try to incorporate both in my designs.

One of my favorite challenges has been incorporating a beautiful classic counterpane pattern into a cardigan. I think that I accomplished this in this cardigan.

The cardigan is knit in almost seamless construction. The counterpane decorates the back of the cardigan and because of its shape, the bottom back of the cardigan drapes in a beautiful rounded V-shape at the bottom.

Gauge: Sizing is accomplished in part by knitting the pattern in different gauge depending your size.

• Size S – 20 sts/4” in stockinette stitch
• Size M – 18 sts/4” in stockinette stitch
• Size L & XL – 16 sts/4” in stockinette stitch

34 (36-38, 40-42, 44-46)“ finished bust

Choosing the Right Yarn:When choosing a yarn to knit this cardigan, try to use a yarn that is knit at a slightly looser gauge so that the cardigan has a nice flowing drape. For example, if the yarn has a 20 sts/4” gauge on it, then it would be perfect to be knit with a larger needle on an 18 sts/4” gauge or even at a 16 sts/4” gauge.

I did not include needle sizes in the pattern because everybody has a different gauge. Below are “my gauges” as a guide:

Naturally Caron Country:
US 8 = 16 sts/4” stockinette stitch
US 7 = 18 sts/4” stockinette stitch

Classic Elite Premier:
US 7 = 20 sts/4” stockinette stitch
US 8 = 18 sts/4” stockinette stitch
US 9 = 16 sts/4” stockinette stitch

First the counterpane square is knit, then the bottom part of the cardigan (including bottom front pieces) are knit onto two sides of the counterpane.

Next, the two front parts of the cardigan are knit upward by picking up stitches from the two bottom fronts.

Both raglan shaped sleeves are knit individually, top-down and in the round. The sleeves are sewn onto the cardigan (this is the only seaming for the entire cardigan).

Finally, stitches are picked up along the fronts and neck portion of the cardigan and the lace rim is knit.

Yarn Note
I have provided four yarn choices. It is important to knit this cardigan in a yarn that is flexible but not too stretchy (for example mercerized cotton would not work because it is not stretchy enough).

I hope that you will enjoy knitting this pattern!

Errata:
Row 9 of the leaf border should read -

Row 9: (RS)
K4; K2tog* YO, K4, K2tog, K3, YO, SKPO * repeat 21 times; K4.