I was knitting a second Nydia pullover when I turned to Instagram to ask my followers a few this-or-that questions that would help me decide what to design next. One question was, Cardigan or pullover? In response, a test knitter I’d worked with several times asked me a question of her own: What about a cropped Nydia cardigan?

I became obsessed with the idea immediately. Completely. I couldn’t think about anything else. Within days I’d bought yarn—a warm golden yellow—and cast on a swatch. But just to make sure I wasn’t being biased, I asked my Instagram followers what they thought about a cardigan version. They responded with a resounding yes. They wanted it too.

I cast on the cropped yellow version with 3/4 length sleeves first. As I was working on it, I realized I also wanted to make a full-length version—in a deep red, with long sleeves. Two completely different cardigans, using the same top-down pattern as the foundation. But the moment I slipped them both on, I understood why I’d felt the need to make two versions. They felt completely different to wear.

The full-length one is classic, office-ready, the kind you throw on when you want to feel polished. The cropped one is a party cardi—fun and energetic, the kind you reach for when you want to feel like yourself. Even during the photoshoot, I felt the shift when I changed between them. The energy was different. How I moved, how I stood—it all changed with the color, the length, and the sleeves.

That’s what this pattern offers you: the chance to make the version that matches your life. Cropped or full-length; 3/4 sleeves or long. Mix and match however you want. Because a cardigan should work for you, not the other way around.

What makes the Nydia Cardigan special

• Four ways to wear it. Cropped with 3/4 sleeves for spring layering and everyday wear. Full-length with long sleeves for classic elegance. Or mix and match to create something that’s entirely yours.

• A deceptively simple 4-row lace stitch. It looks intricate, but it’s surprisingly easy to knit—memorize the repeat in one sitting and then you’ll knit it on autopilot.

• Short rows shape the neckline. Waist and hip shaping enhance your natural curves. No boxy construction here—the shaping is built in, and you get to adjust this sweater to fit your body.

• Lateral braids frame the stitch and polish the whole look. They separate the lace pattern from the ribbed edges, and there’s a video tutorial if you need one.

• DK weight yarn knits faster than the finished look suggests. Professional finishing touches with a simple stitch pattern add up to a cardigan that looks meticulously made.

There’s a little version of the Nydia Cardigan designed for babies, toddlers, and kids—same details, quicker to knit. Make one for a kid in your life, or make both as a matching set!

What you get

• Instant PDF download with 12 sizes and a detailed schematic showing all key measurements.

• Instructions for two sleeve lengths and two body lengths, plus complete customization tips so you can create a truly fine-tuned, custom fit sweater.

• Thorough guidance for reading and knitting the textured lace stitch pattern successfully.

• Video tutorials for lateral braids, buttonholes, button sewing, and other professional finishing techniques—you can preview the playlist on YouTube.

• Shaping trackers and a buttonhole placement worksheet to keep your progress and any modifications organized.

The Knitty-Gritty

DESCRIPTION

Just like the pullover with the same namesake, the Nydia Cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down with compound raglan shaping. Lateral braids separate the ribbed edgings from the focal stitch pattern, a simple yet luxurious all-over lace texture that knits up quickly in a DK weight yarn. Short rows are used to gently curve and lower the front neckline, and waist and hip shaping allows the cardigan to gracefully contour your form.

Choose your own adventure between a cropped body with 3/4 length sleeves or a full-length body with long sleeves—or mix it up with any combination of the body and sleeve lengths! In between two sizes? Follow the fit customization guidelines to achieve bust circumferences ranging 31.25–64.75” (78–162 cm) instead. Tips are provided for adjusting the sweater to your liking!

SIZES

1 (2, 3, 4, 5) [6, 7, 8, 9] {10, 11, 12}

FINISHED BUST CIRCUMFERENCES

• In Inches: 29.75 (32.75, 36, 39, 42) [45, 48, 51.25, 54.25] {57.25, 60.25, 63.25}”
• In Centimeters: 74.5 (82, 90, 97.5, 105) [112.5, 120.5, 128, 135.5] {143, 150.5, 158.5} cm

Instructions are also provided for making in-between sizes ranging 31.25–64.75” (78–162 cm). Circumferences are for the finished cardigan worn closed. Cardigan is intended to fit with approximately 0–2” (0–5 cm) of negative ease at the full bust. Full-length, long sleeve sample shown in size 2 with negative ease.

YARN

Plied, DK weight yarn in the following amounts:

• Yards: 770–1246 (854–1364, 920–1464, 1007–1587, 1097–1712) [1166–1815, 1237–1919, 1350–2079, 1484–2279] {1623–2467, 1700–2579, 1812–2739} yards

• Meters: 705–1139 (781–1247, 841–1339, 921–1451, 1003–1565) [1067–1661, 1131–1755, 1235–1901, 1358–2084] {1485–2256, 1555–2358, 1658–2505} meters

Pattern includes a table with specific yarn requirements. Samples shown in Julie Asselin Leizu DK [DK weight, 90% superwash merino wool, 10% silk] in colorways ‘Safran’ and ‘Bisous’

NEEDLES

• US 6 (4 mm) circular needle, 32” (80 cm) or longer, or needle size necessary to obtain correct gauge
• US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle, 32” (80 cm) or longer, or needle size .5 mm smaller than gauge needle
• Appropriate needle(s) in both sizes for your preferred method of knitting small circumferences in the round

GAUGE

21 sts and 28 rows/rounds = 4” (10 cm) in textured lace pattern using larger needles, blocked

NOTIONS

• (8) Stitch markers, for raglan lines
• (2) Removable markers, to mark short row turns (optional) and centers of underarms
• Crochet hook, size D (3.25 mm) or slightly smaller
• Tapestry needle
• Waste yarn or two spare circular needles/cords, for placing sleeve stitches on hold
• Sewing needle and thread (ball point needle and 100% polyester thread recommended)
• (8) or (13) 5/8” (1.5 cm) buttons, depending on body length

#sizeinclusive #vanessasmithdesigns #nydiacardigan