Louet Lizbeth Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Louet Lizbeth Cardigan: Seamless Top-Down Linen Knit

What Is Being Made

The Lizbeth Cardigan is a versatile open-front cardigan designed for layering and everyday wear. This garment features a longer length with graceful draped front panels, making it flattering across many different body types. The cardigan is available in six finished chest sizes ranging from 39 inches to 62 inches, with corresponding lengths from 25½ inches to 29 inches, offering options for various fit preferences and proportions.

Construction Techniques

This cardigan is constructed using seamless, top-down knitting methods, which minimizes finishing work and allows for easy customization. The garment is knit in one piece from the top down, meaning the knitter begins at the neckline and works downward, dividing the body and sleeves at the appropriate point. This construction method provides several advantages: the length of both the body and sleeves can be easily adjusted to personal preference, and the need for seaming is eliminated. The garter stitch trim at the bottom of the sleeves and body eliminates the need for traditional hems, further reducing finishing steps.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Lizbeth Cardigan features simple stockinette stitch as the primary fabric, combined with a garter-based eyelet pattern. Stockinette stitch creates the smooth, classic knit fabric that forms the main body of the cardigan, while the eyelet pattern adds visual interest and texture. The garter stitch trim—created by knitting every row rather than alternating knit and purl rows—provides a finished edge and functional border. This combination of stitches makes the pattern beginner-friendly, as it relies on fundamental knitting techniques rather than complex stitch manipulations.

Yarn and Materials

The Lizbeth Cardigan is designed to be knit with Louet Euroflax Sport Weight yarn, a 100% wet spun linen fiber. Each skein contains 270 yards per 100 grams. The yardage required depends on the finished size: the smallest size (39 inches chest) requires 5 skeins, while the largest size (62 inches chest) requires 9 skeins. The cardigan shown in the pattern is knit in #40 Heron Gray, a neutral tone suitable for versatile layering. Linen is an excellent choice for warm-weather garments, offering breathability and a natural drape that enhances the cardigan's elegant silhouette.

Needles and Notions

Knitters will need a US 6 [4.00 mm] circular needle in either 24-inch or 36-inch length, depending on the size of the garment being constructed. Additional notions include stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and shaping points, and stitch holders or waste yarn to hold stitches temporarily during construction. A tapestry needle is required for weaving in yarn ends and any finishing work.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 24 rows per 4-inch square in stockinette stitch, lightly blocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the cardigan to fit as intended. The finished measurements include chest width (A), total length (B), sleeve cap depth (C), upper arm circumference (D), and armhole depth (E), with specific dimensions provided for each of the six available sizes. The sample cardigan shown is knit in the 44-inch size on a 34-inch bust with 10 inches of positive ease, demonstrating the generous fit characteristic of this design.

Designer Information

The Lizbeth Cardigan is designed by Susanna IC, a knit designer with extensive background in studio arts and art history. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including Interweave Knits, Brooklyn Tweed's Wool People, Jane Austen Knits, Twist Collective, and Knitty. Her designs can be found on Ravelry and at ArtQualia.com.