This stunning cardigan is based on the classic 1950s shape of a hip length, figure hugging silhouette which allows the fabric of the garment to do all the work and create its shape. The all-over lattice stitch pattern is worked with negative ease, meaning the garment is designed to be smaller than the wearer. This allows the garment to stretch, revealing the pattern and creating that 1950s look. The cardigan is knitted in pieces and then sewn together. Button facings and hems are knitted at the same time as the main pieces.

The design is named after the glamorous Frances Stevens played by Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief. Partnering Cary Grant in this stylish Hitchcock film and playing a very dangerous game, Frances really could have done with a cardigan like this!

It is knitted in Excelana 4ply luxury wool in a Lattice Stitch pattern designed to be worn with negative ease allowing the garment to stretch over the wearer. Excelana has excellent stretch and great stitch definition, so is perfect for this project. Added finishing details of hems and facings in a contrast colour provide those little added touches so synonymous with the glamour of the 1950s.

The pattern includes both written and charted instructions and is available in eight sizes:

Pattern includes 8 sizes to fit the following chest measurements: 71-76cm(28-30in), 81cm(32in), 86cm(34in), 92-96cm(36-38in), 102-107cm(40-42in), 107-112cm(42-44in), 117cm(46in), 122-127cm(48-50).

The jacket is designed to be worn with approximately 15cm (6in) of negative ease.

Yarn:

Excelana 4 ply from Susan Crawford, 100% British wool, 159m/174yds per 50g
7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) 50g skeins shade Nile Green
1 50g skein shade French Rose

Gauge:

40 sts and 32 rows to 10cm(4in) measured over Lattice stitch pattern.

Suggested Needles:

2.75mm (US 2) needles
3.75mm (US 5) needles
3.75mm (US 5) cable needle

Notions:

Stitch markers
scissors
8 buttons

Techniques used: Cable knitting, setting in sleeves