Jody Long JLG Posey Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Jody Long JLG Posey Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Posey is a knitted cardigan from the Jody Long FLORA Collection, designed for experienced knitters. This garment is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed method and features lace patterning throughout. The cardigan is available in six sizes ranging from Small (to fit bust 81-86 cm / 32-34 in) through to XXXL (to fit bust 132-137 cm / 52-54 in), with finished underarm measurements from 90.5 cm to 140 cm (35½ in to 55 in).

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques suitable for experienced knitters:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is worked from the lower edge upward, beginning with the back piece
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, requiring seaming to join pieces together
• Lace patterning: The design incorporates a charted lace pattern that repeats across the width and throughout the length of the garment
• Shaping techniques: The pattern introduces various shaping methods to create the cardigan's silhouette and fit
• Ribbed edging: The lower edge begins with a knit-purl rib worked over 8 cm (3¼ in) to provide elasticity and structure

Stitches Used

The Posey cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with lace elements:

• Knit stitch (K): The primary stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl stitch (P): Used in combination with knit stitches to create the ribbed cuff and texture variations
• Rib stitch: A K1, P1 alternating pattern creates the 8 cm (3¼ in) ribbed edging at the lower edge, providing stretch and recovery
• Lace stitches: The charted lace pattern incorporates yarn overs and decreases to create openwork motifs, with a 10-stitch and 20-row pattern repeat that repeats across each row

Materials and Tools

The Posey cardigan requires specific materials to achieve the correct finished dimensions and drape:

• Yarn: Jody Long FLORA yarn in the colorway Pansy 004 (as shown). Yarn quantities range from 7 x 100g balls for the smallest size to 12 x 100g balls for the largest size, with quantities based on average requirements and therefore approximate
• Needles: One pair of 3.25 mm (US 3 / No. 10) straight needles for the main fabric, plus two double-pointed 3.25 mm (US 3 / No. 10) needles for finishing details such as button bands or neckline edging
• Tension: The pattern is designed to achieve 25 stitches and 36 rows over 10 cm (4 in) when measured over the lace pattern using 3.25 mm (US 3) needles. Checking tension before beginning is emphasized as vitally important, as incorrect tension will affect the finished size of the garment

Pattern Structure and Sizing

The Posey is graded across six sizes with detailed measurements provided. The back piece is cast on with 119 stitches for the smallest size, increasing to 181 stitches for the largest size. The lace pattern repeat is worked 10 to 18 times across each row depending on size. Full length from the neck shoulder point ranges from 66 cm (26 in) for the smallest size to 75 cm (29½ in) for the largest, while sleeve length remains consistent at 45-46 cm (17¾-18 in) across most sizes. Instructions are written for the smallest size with changes for larger sizes indicated in square brackets.