Cascade Yarns C Arcadian Lace Pullover Knitting Pattern

Cascade Yarns 128 Superwash Arcadian Lace Pullover

What is Being Made

The Cascade Yarns 128 Superwash Arcadian Lace Pullover is a knitted sweater designed by Cheryl Beckerich. This pullover features an elegant lace pattern throughout and is available in six sizes ranging from extra small (XS) to double extra large (XXL). The finished bust measurements span from 32 inches for the smallest size to 55.5 inches for the largest, with length measurements ranging from 26 to 28 inches depending on the size selected.

Skill Level and Difficulty

This pattern is rated at an intermediate skill level, making it suitable for knitters who have progressed beyond basic techniques and are comfortable working with more complex stitch patterns and shaping.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Arcadian Lace Pullover employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The garment is constructed using circular knitting needles, which allows for seamless construction in the round. The pattern incorporates lace techniques that create decorative openwork throughout the sweater. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases positioned to maintain the lace pattern's integrity. The pattern also utilizes a 3-needle bind off technique for finishing, which involves turning the work inside out and binding off two sets of stitches together simultaneously, creating a strong and neat seam.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pullover features a specialized lace pattern that begins with a multiple of 8 stitches plus 6 additional stitches. The lace pattern alternates between wrong-side rows worked entirely in purl stitches and right-side rows featuring the decorative lace motif. Key stitches used throughout the pattern include:

• Knit (K) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (P) – used for wrong-side rows and texture variation
• Yarn over (YO) – creates the openwork holes characteristic of lace patterns
• Knit 2 together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease that balances yarn overs
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) – a left-leaning decrease that pairs with yarn overs for symmetrical lace shaping
• Knit through front and back (Kfb) – an increase stitch for adding stitches
• Purl 2 together (P2tog) – a decrease worked on wrong-side rows

The lace pattern creates an intricate, repeating design that develops as you work through the rows, with the yarn overs and decreases working together to maintain stitch count while producing the characteristic openwork appearance of lace knitting.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern calls for Cascade Yarns 128 Superwash, a yarn composed of 100% superwash merino wool. Each skein weighs 100 grams (3.5 ounces) and provides 128 yards (117 meters) of yardage. The yarn is available in color #1948 (Mystic Purple) for this design. Depending on the size being knitted, you will need between 5 skeins for the extra small size up to 10 skeins for the double extra large size, providing flexibility for different garment dimensions.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires US 10 (6mm) circular knitting needles in either 24-inch or 30-inch lengths, selected based on the size being knitted and personal preference. Additional tools needed include stitch holders for temporarily holding stitches, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming if necessary.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 13.5 stitches by 16.5 rows equals 4 inches (10 centimeters) when measured over the stockinette stitch fabric. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions listed in the pattern, and knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the full garment.