Lacy Summer Topper Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Lacy Summer Topper Cardigan Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

The Lacy Summer Topper Cardigan is a lightweight, open-front cardigan designed by Melissa Leapman for Cascade Yarns. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a sophisticated layering piece featuring an elegant lacy construction. The cardigan is available in three size options: Small/Medium with a 45" bust, Large/1X with a 57" bust, and 2X/3X with a 69" bust. The finished length measures 48" for all sizes, making it a versatile topper suitable for warm weather wear.

Construction Technique

This cardigan employs a unique construction method that differs from traditional top-down or bottom-up approaches. The design is comprised of two identical rectangles that are seamed together at the center back, while the front sections remain unsewn. This innovative approach allows for ease of construction and a custom fit. Ribbed lapels are picked up and knitted along the front edges after the main body pieces are completed, creating a polished finish at the cardigan opening.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The Lacy Summer Topper Cardigan incorporates two primary stitch patterns that work together to create visual interest and structure:

• Rib Pattern: A classic knit-purl combination worked over two rows. Row 1 (right side) alternates purl 1, knit 1, purl 2 across, while Row 2 (wrong side) reverses this sequence. This pattern is used for the ribbed lapels and for edge sections, providing elasticity and a finished appearance.
• Openwork Pattern: An eight-row repeating lacy pattern that creates the signature openwork aesthetic. This pattern features yarn overs combined with decreases (slip, slip, slip, knit and slip, slip, knit techniques) to form decorative holes. Row 1 alternates knit 1 with yarn over and triple slip decreases. Rows 2 and all wrong-side rows are purled. Rows 3 and 7 are knit across for structure. Row 5 introduces a more complex sequence with yarn overs, single knits, and double decreases to create the lacy effect. This openwork pattern comprises the main body of the cardigan, providing breathability ideal for summer wear.

Knitting Techniques

The pattern employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques. Yarn overs are used extensively throughout the openwork pattern to create the decorative holes characteristic of lacy designs. Decrease techniques including K2tog (knit 2 together), SSK (slip, slip, knit), and SSSK (slip, slip, slip, knit) are used to balance yarn overs and maintain stitch count while creating the openwork design. The pattern requires working in the round using circular needles for the body sections, and picking up stitches along edges to create the ribbed lapels. Binding off in pattern ensures a professional finish that matches the overall aesthetic.

Materials and Tools

The Lacy Summer Topper Cardigan is designed to be worked in Cascade Yarns Sarasota Chunky, a blend of 60% cotton and 40% acrylic. This fiber content makes the cardigan breathable and suitable for warm weather, while the acrylic provides durability and ease of care. Yardage requirements vary by size: the Small/Medium requires 4 skeins (approximately 1,224 yards total), the Large/1X requires 5 skeins (approximately 1,530 yards), and the 2X/3X requires 7 skeins (approximately 2,142 yards). The pattern specifies US 10 (6.0 mm) circular knitting needles measuring 29 inches in length for the body, as well as US 10 (6.0 mm) straight or shorter circular needles for working the ribbed sections. The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in the openwork pattern, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.