Louet Courtney Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Louet Courtney Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Garment Overview

The Louet Courtney is a knitted cardigan designed by Lynda Rossetti, crafted from Courtney GEMS 100% Superwash Merino Wool in Fine / Sport Weight. This cover garment features an elegant lacy rib construction and is worked flat using circular needles, making it suitable for knitters seeking a refined, wearable design. The pattern is available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, with finished measurements accommodating various body dimensions.

Yarn and Materials

This cardigan requires Louet Courtney GEMS 100% Superwash Merino Wool yarn in Fine / Sport Weight. Each skein contains 100 grams and yields 225 yards (205 meters). Yarn requirements vary by size: XS requires 4 skeins, S requires 5 skeins, M requires 6 skeins, L requires 6 skeins, and XL requires 7 skeins for the cardigan version. The superwash treatment allows for easy machine washing and drying, making this garment practical for everyday wear.

Needles and Equipment

Construction requires three circular needle sizes: 3.5 mm circular needles (available in 30 cm and 80 cm lengths), 3.75 mm circular needles (30 cm and 80 cm lengths), and 4.0 mm circular needles (30 cm and 80 cm lengths) specifically for the cardigan. Double-pointed needles may be substituted for the 30 cm circular needle if preferred. This multi-needle approach allows for seamless construction and flexibility in working various sections of the garment.

Gauge and Finishing

The cardigan is worked to a gauge of 20 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in the lacy rib pattern on 4.0 mm needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern includes an important finishing instruction: machine wash and dry the gauge swatch at low heat for 15 minutes, then lay flat to finish before measuring. This step accounts for the behavior of the superwash merino fiber and ensures accurate gauge measurement.

Stitch Techniques and Pattern

The cardigan features a lacy rib pattern that creates visual interest through the combination of knit, purl, and decorative yarn over stitches. The primary stitch pattern repeats over a multiple of 6 stitches plus 3 edge stitches and consists of four rows:

• Row 1 (Right Side): *P1, K1, P1, YO, P3tog, YO; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, P1, K1, P1
• Rows 2 & 4: *K1, P1, K1, P3; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, K1, P1, K1
• Row 3: *P1, K1, P1, K3; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, P1, K1, P1

This four-row repeat creates a balanced lacy texture while maintaining structural integrity through the combination of yarn overs (YO) and purl three together (P3tog) decreases. The pattern uses standard abbreviations including K for knit and P for purl.

Construction Method

The cardigan is worked flat using circular needles, a technique that provides stability and ease of handling for larger projects while maintaining the flexibility to work back and forth in rows. This method is particularly suitable for garments requiring seamless construction or minimal seaming.

Finishing Techniques

The pattern includes instructions for the three needle bind-off, a professional finishing method that joins two sets of stitches while simultaneously binding them off. This technique is worked by holding needles together with right sides facing inward and using an extra needle to knit one stitch from each needle together, then slipping the first stitch over the second, continuing across all stitches from both needles. This creates a secure, elastic edge suitable for garment closures and seams.

Finished Measurements

The cardigan provides detailed finished measurements for each size across multiple points: width measurements before ribbing, total body width, sleeve cap depth, and various length specifications. This comprehensive sizing information allows knitters to select the appropriate size based on desired fit and personal preferences.