Louet Hysope Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Louet Hysope Lace Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Garment Overview

The Hysope is a fine, elegant cardigan designed by Daniele Dietrich and crafted from Louet Euroflax 100% Wet Spun Linen. This is a sophisticated cover garment available in sizes ranging from XS through 3XL, making it accessible for a wide range of body types. The cardigan features delicate lace detailing combined with classic stockinette stitch construction, creating a versatile piece suitable for layering in warm weather.

Construction Technique

The Hysope cardigan is worked flat from the bottom up, a traditional method that allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and make adjustments as needed. The garment is constructed using the seamed method, meaning individual pieces (front panels, back, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then joined together with seams. This approach provides structure and clean finishing to the final garment.

Lace Stitch Details

The pattern incorporates an intricate lace panel worked over 22 stitches that creates an openwork design characteristic of fine linen garments. The lace motif features repeating sequences of yarn overs and decreases including:

• Yarn overs (YO) for creating decorative holes
• SSK (slip, slip, knit) decreases that lean left
• K2tog (knit 2 together) decreases that lean right
• K3tog (knit 3 together) for more dramatic shaping within the lace panel
• SL1, K2tog, PSSO (slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over) for centered double decreases

The lace pattern alternates between right-side rows featuring the openwork design and wrong-side rows worked entirely in purl, which is standard practice for maintaining pattern clarity in lace knitting.

Yarn and Fiber Content

This pattern calls for Louet Euroflax 100% Wet Spun Linen in a Fine/Sport Weight. Wet spun linen is prized for its superior strength and smooth finish compared to dry spun alternatives. The yardage provided is 270 yards per 100-gram skein (246 meters). Finished garments require between 3 to 6 skeins depending on size, with larger sizes requiring more yardage. The linen fiber is ideal for this cardigan as it drapes beautifully, breathes well in warm weather, and becomes softer with washing and wear.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern specifies 3.0 mm and 3.5 mm circular needles in both 40 cm and 60 cm lengths, allowing for magic loop or two-circular-needle techniques if preferred. The gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger (3.5 mm) needles. Achieving proper gauge is critical, and the pattern includes an important note that knitters must machine wash and dry a gauge swatch before measuring, as linen behaves differently after laundering and will relax slightly.

Sleeve Options and Sizing

The Hysope cardigan offers flexibility with two sleeve length options: short sleeves measuring 6½ inches for all sizes, or long sleeves measuring 16¾ inches for all sizes. This allows knitters to customize the garment for different seasons and personal preference. The pattern provides finished measurements for multiple dimensions (labeled A through F) across all six size ranges, ensuring a proper fit.

Finishing Details

The cardigan features 7 small buttons for closure, with optional 3¼ inch buttons available for a split back design. This optional feature adds contemporary styling flexibility to the classic cardigan silhouette. Button bands and finishing details are included in the complete pattern instructions.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern that includes comprehensive written instructions with standard knitting abbreviations clearly defined. The pattern is professionally formatted with all specifications, stitch abbreviations, and the complete lace panel repeat charted for easy reference throughout the knitting process.