Slip on some retro style with a cozy cardigan inspired by vintage knits but using modern construction. The simple shape lets Bubbly Bouclé’s texture take center stage, and contrasting colors and sweet appliquéd motifs make the Darla Cardigan even more playful. Named after the talented acting dog whose credits include Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, Silence of the Lambs, and The ‘Burbs, the Darla Cardigan features an iconic appliqued poodle on the sample, and the pattern includes three other vintage-inspired motifs that can be appliquéd onto the finished cardigan. In addition to the more challenging poodle motif, there are playing-card-inspired diamonds and hearts that are cute and simple to knit, and the adorable teddy bear head is as easy to make as a heart! Choose your favorite from the four options for your own Darla Cardigan.

The Darla Cardigan is knit seamlessly, starting with the upper back, which is put on hold once the underarms are reached. Stitches are picked up from the upper back’s cast on edge to knit the upper fronts. When both fronts reach their underarms, the fronts and back are joined when the underarm stitches are cast on, and the body is knit down in one piece with a straight fit. Stitches are picked up around each armhole to knit a seamless set-in sleeve cap that is shaped with short rows, and the ¾-length sleeves are completed with rib knit in a contrasting color. Stitches are picked up from the front opening to knit the button bands in the contrast color, and the neckband is picked up and knit at the end. Appliquéing on the motif of your choice is the final step.

Bubbly Bouclé is used at a looser gauge in this pattern to allow the bouclé loops to pop, and some of the appliquéd motif options rely on that texture to look their best. It is not recommended to substitute a smooth sport weight yarn without bouclé loops or a prominent halo that obscures stitches. Bubbly Bouclé’s heavily textured fabric makes reading stitches a challenge, so it may be desirable to have extra locking stitch markers on hand to mark increases or decreases in a section to keep track of progress. If you find it difficult to see your stitches and rows to measure your gauge, try holding your swatch against a window or lightbox to illuminate it from behind. This makes it easier to see the difference between the stitches and the bouclé loops.

Wrap and turn short rows are used for shaping the shoulders and sleeve caps. Because the bouclé is so heavily textured, wraps do not need to be picked up and knit on subsequent rows.