Classic Elite Yarns Flower and Scorpion Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Flower and Scorpion Cardigan

Project Overview

The Flower and Scorpion is a sleeveless knit cardigan featuring elegant eyelet detailing and lace patterning throughout. This intermediate-level design was originally published in Spring 2013 in Domino 9218 and is created using Classic Elite Yarns Firefly yarn. The cardigan showcases feminine eyelet circles worked from the top down, making it an accessible project for knitters with some experience.

Construction Method

This cardigan is worked flat using a top-down construction technique, allowing knitters to try on the garment as they progress and easily adjust length to fit. The seamed construction provides structure and definition to the finished piece. The top-down approach combined with flat working makes this pattern ideal for customizing fit at the shoulders and body length.

Lace and Eyelet Techniques

The Flower and Scorpion features two primary lace stitch patterns that create the signature visual interest of this design.

Prairie Lace Stitch: This is the main lace pattern used throughout the cardigan body. Prairie Lace works over a 20-row repeat on a multiple of 16 stitches plus 14. The pattern creates flowing openwork through strategic yarn overs and decreases, including double yarn overs (yo2) that expand into decorative elements. Key rows feature paired yarn overs with corresponding decreases (ssk and k2tog combinations) that create the characteristic lace fabric. The stitch pattern alternates between rows of increased openwork density and calmer stockinette sections, producing a balanced visual rhythm.

Eyelet Edging: Two versions of eyelet edging are provided—one worked flat and one worked in the round. Both create delicate openwork trim using the same foundational technique: k2tog and ssk decreases paired with double yarn overs (yo2). The double yarn overs expand in the following row into five stitches (either p1, k1, p1, k1, p1 or k1, p1, k1, p1, k1 depending on the version), creating small eyelets and picot-like details. This edging finishes bind-off edges with feminine, decorative openwork.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches combined in sophisticated ways to achieve the lace effect:

• Knit (k): The basic stitch forming the foundation of the fabric
• Purl (p): Used on wrong-side rows and within the edging pattern
• Yarn Over (yo): Creates the openwork characteristic of lace; yo2 (double yarn over) produces larger eyelets that expand into multiple stitches on the following row
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used throughout the lace patterns
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease that pairs with k2tog to create balanced lace motifs
• Bind Off (BO): Finished using purlwise or knitwise depending on the edging version

Materials and Yarn

This pattern is designed to be worked in Classic Elite Yarns Firefly. The specific yardage and needle size recommendations are included in the complete pattern. Knitters should refer to the pattern for exact yarn requirements for each size (available in XS, S, M, L, XL, and 2XL) and appropriate needle specifications for achieving proper gauge with the chosen yarn.

Design Details

The cardigan emphasizes feminine design elements through its eyelet circles and delicate lace patterning. The sleeveless construction makes it versatile for layering, while the top-down method provides flexibility for customization. The combination of Prairie Lace in the body and eyelet edging on the bind-off creates visual interest and a polished, finished appearance suitable for both casual and dressy occasions.

Skill Level

Rated as Intermediate, this pattern requires competency with lace knitting techniques, understanding of yarn overs and decreases, and comfort working from charts. The top-down construction and seaming add to the intermediate classification, making this an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their lace and shaping skills.