Trace Cardigan is a top-down, modular design featuring clean lines, subtle texture, and practical details. It begins with the back, with a decorative dropped stitch braid. Stitches are picked up to work the front panels separately, shaped with increases to form a flattering neckline.
After the front and back pieces are joined, the body is worked flat, with optional pockets for functionality. The sleeves are picked up around the armholes, shaped with short rows to create a natural sleeve cap, and worked top-down in the round.
The cardigan is finished with a ribbed hem and cuffs, and a clean neckline—all closed off with a Tubular bind-off for an elegant, flexible edge. A playful detail is added with the dropped stitch braid along the front edges, enhancing the garment’s structured yet relaxed look.

Sizing: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9)
This cardigan is designed to be slightly oversized, with approximately 15-30 cm of positive ease around the bust.
Finished measurements
Bust Circumference: 102 (111, 121, 132, 141) (151, 162, 172, 178) cm.
Yoke depth: 21 (23, 24, 25, 27) (27, 29, 30, 30) cm.
Body Length from Underarm: 44 cm.
Sleeve circumference (upper arm): 39 (43, 44, 44, 47) (47, 48, 49, 49) cm.
Sleeve circumference (cuff): 27 (30, 31, 31, 33) (33, 34, 34, 34) cm.
Sleeve length: 48 cm.

Materials
Yarn: DK weight yarn, approximately 1215 (1375, 1485, 1580, 1705) (1785, 1920, 2020, 2070) meters.
Yardage may vary if your gauge/yarn is different.
The sample used: Two strands of Knitting for Olive, No Waste Wool, 225m/50g, 50% Recycled wool, 50% Extra-fine, traceable, non-mulesed Merino,. Color: one strand in Hazel, the other - hand-dyed by Maruma Yarns.
Gauge: 20 sts & 30 rounds = 10 cm in stockinette stitch, worked flat on gauge needles.
Needles:
4 mm (gauge needles), 80 cm circular needle, and DPNs (or longer circular needle for Magic Loop method) for small circumference knitting.
3.5 mm or one size smaller than gauge needles, 80 cm circular needle, and DPNs (or longer circular needle for Magic Loop method) for small circumference knitting, for ribbing.
Or adjust needle size to meet gauge.
Other Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, stitch holders (or scrap yarn), scrap yarn, 4.5 mm crochet hook.