Ladies Who Lunch Cardigan in Lion Brand Homespun Thick & Quick

Ladies Who Lunch Cardigan in Lion Brand Homespun Thick & Quick

Project Overview

The Ladies Who Lunch Cardigan is an easy-level knitting pattern designed for a classic, wearable garment. This cardigan is constructed using the traditional method of knitting separate pieces—a back panel, two front panels, and two sleeves—which are then assembled together. The finished cardigan features a buttoned front closure and is available in six sizes ranging from Small through 3X, with finished bust measurements from 41 inches to 61 inches and finished lengths from 25 inches to 27.5 inches.

Yarn and Materials

Primary Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun Thick & Quick in the Edwardian colorway. This yarn is composed of 88% acrylic and 12% polyester, offering durability and easy care. Each ball contains 8.00 ounces and yields 160 yards. The pattern requires 3 to 6 balls depending on size, with smaller sizes needing 3 balls and larger sizes (3X) requiring 6 balls.

Needles and Notions: Size 13 (9 mm) knitting needles are used throughout the project. Additional supplies include Lion Brand Split Ring Stitch Markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, Lion Brand Stitch Holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction, and Lion Brand Large-Eye Blunt Needles for weaving in yarn ends. The cardigan is finished with five buttons, each measuring 1.5 inches in diameter.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern is classified as Easy (Level 2), making it suitable for knitters with basic experience. The primary stitch used throughout the cardigan is Stockinette Stitch (St st), created by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side. This fundamental stitch creates the smooth, classic fabric characteristic of traditional cardigans.

The pattern incorporates the kfb (knit in front and back) increase technique to shape the garment. This method involves knitting into the front loop of a stitch without removing it from the left needle, then knitting through the back loop of the same stitch, effectively creating one new stitch from the original. This technique is used strategically throughout the pattern to increase stitch counts for shaping the armholes, neckline, and sleeve caps.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 8 stitches and 12 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for ensuring the finished cardigan matches the intended dimensions and that the yardage provided is sufficient. Knitters should swatch before beginning and adjust needle size if necessary—using smaller needles if the gauge is too loose or larger needles if the gauge is too tight.

Construction Method

The cardigan is worked in distinct, separate pieces rather than in the round. This approach involves knitting the back panel first, followed by the two front panels, and then the two sleeves. Each piece is worked flat on straight needles, allowing for straightforward pattern following and easy adjustments. Once all pieces are completed, they are seamed together using the yarn needle to create the finished garment. The five buttons are then sewn to the right front panel, with corresponding buttonholes worked into the left front panel for closure.