Classic Elite Yarns Floreal Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Floreal Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Floreal is a versatile drop-shoulder cardigan designed by Tonia Barry, originally published in Hanako 1702A. This garment features a classic cardigan silhouette that can be worn open at the front or closed with a pin, belt, or buttons, making it adaptable to various styling preferences and occasions.

Construction Method

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-flat approach. The lower body is knitted in one continuous piece to the underarms, then strategically divided to allow the back and front sections to be worked separately to the shoulders. This seamed construction method creates clean, professional finishing while maintaining structural integrity throughout the garment.

Techniques Used

• Lace and Openwork: Rows of decorative eyelets created through yarn overs and decreases cover the main body, providing an airy, elegant aesthetic that defines the cardigan's visual character
• Ribbed Edging: A 2 x 2 rib pattern at the lower edge provides elasticity and a polished finish
• Stockinette Stitch Bands: Solid knit sections frame the openwork, creating visual balance and structural stability at the front bands and transition areas
• Strategic Shaping: During armhole and shoulder shaping, the pattern intelligently substitutes Stockinette Stitch when there are insufficient stitches to maintain the openwork pattern, ensuring clean finishing

Stitches and Pattern Details

The Floreal employs two primary stitch patterns:

• 2 x 2 Rib: A multiple of 4 stitches plus 2, alternating knit and purl columns that create the classic ribbed texture at the cuff and lower edge
• Openwork Bands Pattern: Worked over an odd number of stitches, this 8-row repeat combines yarn overs with corresponding decreases (ssk and p2tog) to create the signature eyelet design, interspersed with 6 rows of Stockinette Stitch for texture variation

Materials and Specifications

This pattern is designed to be worked with Classic Elite Yarns on two needle sizes: smaller needles for the ribbed edging and larger needles for the main body. The cardigan is available in six sizes, with the lower body measuring approximately ¾ inch after the ribbed cast-on edge, and the total length from cast-on to armhole division measuring between 18 and 19 inches depending on size. Armhole depth ranges from 7½ to 10 inches across the size range, accommodating various body proportions.

Design Features

The Floreal's easy-to-knit construction makes it accessible to intermediate knitters while delivering sophisticated results. The drop-shoulder silhouette provides comfortable ease and a relaxed fit, while the openwork lace pattern adds visual interest and movement to the fabric. The ability to wear the cardigan open or closed with accessories offers styling versatility, making it suitable for layering in various seasons and settings.