Dream Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Dream in Color Tulips for Women Cardigan

Project Overview

The Dream in Color Tulips for Women is a seamless, top-down cardigan designed by Lindsay Pekny. This knit garment features a striking striped colorwork pattern created by changing yarn colors at regular intervals throughout the construction. The cardigan is worked in one continuous piece from the neckline downward, eliminating the need for seaming at completion. Available in five sizes ranging from extra small to extra large, with finished chest measurements from 34 to 50 inches and finished lengths from 22 to 24 inches, this design offers versatility for various body types.

Construction Techniques

This cardigan employs a seamless, top-down construction method, meaning knitting begins at the neck and progresses downward to the hem. The garment is worked in the round for the body sections and worked flat for other components, utilizing both circular needles and double-pointed needles depending on the section being knitted. The top-down approach allows for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the garment as it progresses. The cable cast-on method is used when adding stitches during construction, creating a secure and flexible edge for new stitches.

Stitch Techniques and Details

The primary stitch pattern is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric base. A seed stitch border in Dusky Aurora provides textural contrast and definition along edges. The cardigan features horizontal stripes created by changing colors every 24th to 28th row (depending on size), with color changes worked on the wrong side in seed stitch to maintain pattern consistency. Essential shaping techniques include k2tog (knit two stitches together) for decreases and kf&b (knit into front and back of stitch) for increases. The ssk (slip, slip, knit) decrease method is also employed for refined shaping. An I-cord in Cloud Jungle is applied as a decorative and functional finishing element.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Dream in Color CLASSY Worsted Superwash Merino yarn in five distinct colors. The specific colors used in the sample include Petal Shower, Dusky Aurora, Gothic Rose, Good Luck Jade, and Cloud Jungle. Yardage requirements vary by size: sizes XS and S require one skein each of all five colors plus an additional skein of the border color, while sizes M, L, and XL require two skeins of the border color and one skein each of the remaining colors. The Superwash Merino fiber content ensures easy care and durability.

Tools and Gauge

Construction requires US #5 and #7 circular needles in both 16-inch and 32-inch lengths, along with double-pointed needles in the same sizes for smaller circumference sections. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, and scrap yarn for provisional cast-on or stitch holders. The pattern is worked to a gauge of 4.5 stitches per inch on the larger needles in stockinette stitch, which is essential to achieve the correct finished measurements.

Color Stripe Sequence

The cardigan features a repeating color stripe sequence worked from top to bottom: Petal Shower, Dusky Aurora, Gothic Rose, Good Luck Jade, and Cloud Jungle. The seed stitch border is worked in Dusky Aurora, while the applied I-cord detail is in Cloud Jungle, creating cohesive color integration throughout the finished garment.