Faro Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Faro Cardigan in Rowan Summerlite DK

What is Being Made

The Faro Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Quails Studio, available in nine sizes ranging from 28-30 inches to 60-62 inches in actual chest measurement. This garment is crafted using Rowan Summerlite DK yarn, photographed in White 465, making it an ideal lightweight layering piece. The cardigan features a sophisticated lace pattern combined with stockinette stitch, creating visual interest and texture throughout the design.

Techniques Used

The Faro Cardigan employs several advanced-beginner level knitting techniques that add depth and elegance to the finished garment. Lace knitting is a primary technique, incorporating yarn overs and decreases to create openwork sections. The pattern utilizes stitch marker placement for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points. Shoulder shaping is achieved through strategic cast-offs worked over multiple rows, allowing for a properly fitted neckline. The cardigan also features a buttonband worked on circular needles, demonstrating intermediate construction methods. Ribbed sections provide structure and elasticity at key areas of the garment.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates a variety of essential knitting stitches:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches form the foundation of stockinette stitch sections
• Yarn overs (yrn, yfrn) create the openwork lace details characteristic of the design
• Knit two together (K2tog) and Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK) decreases balance the yarn overs and shape the garment
• Slip 2 stitches, Knit 1, Pass slipped stitches over (sl 2 sts, K1, p2sso) creates more pronounced decreases within the lace pattern
• Garter stitch (knit every row) provides textured borders and structural elements
• Ribbing offers elasticity and definition to the cardigan's edges

Materials and Tools

The Faro Cardigan requires Rowan Summerlite DK yarn, a lightweight double knit weight suitable for warm-weather garments. The yardage varies by size, ranging from 11 to 21 balls of 50-gram skeins depending on the chosen finished chest measurement.

Needles required include one pair of 3mm (US 2/3) needles for ribbed sections and initial cast-on rows, and one pair of 3.5mm (US 4) needles for the main lace and stockinette stitch sections. Additionally, 3mm (US 2/3) circular needles measuring at least 100 centimeters in length are essential for working the buttonband. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 34 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the lace pattern using 3.5mm needles.

Additional materials include stitch holders for holding stitches during construction, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and five buttons for fastening the front cardigan opening.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The Faro Cardigan is constructed using a traditional flat knitting method with separate front and back pieces. The back piece begins with a cast-on worked on 3mm needles, progressing through garter stitch ribbing before transitioning to the main lace pattern on 3.5mm needles. The lace pattern alternates between right-side rows featuring yarn overs and decreases, and wrong-side rows that maintain stitch count. The left front follows a similar construction method with integrated lace patterning and shaping for the armhole and neckline. Shoulder shaping is achieved through graduated cast-offs over multiple rows, creating a smooth transition to the neckline. The buttonband is worked on circular needles to accommodate the garment's width and provide stability for the button closures.