Louet Reseda Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Louet Reseda Lace Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Garment Overview

The Reseda is a stunning lace cardigan designed by Daniele Dietrich, crafted as a cover garment using Louet Euroflax 100% Wet Spun Linen yarn. This fine, elegant cardigan features multiple decorative stitch patterns that combine visual appeal with sophisticated construction techniques, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a refined, wearable piece.

What Is Being Made

A seamed cardigan worked flat in a lace pattern, available in five finished bust sizes ranging from 37 inches to 51 inches. The garment includes a finished length from shoulders varying from 17 1/4 inches to 22 inches depending on size selection. The cardigan is shown in the colorway Golden Rod (#65) and functions as a layering cover piece suitable for warm weather wear.

Techniques Used

• Lace knitting: Multiple lace stitch patterns create the visual interest and delicate texture throughout the garment
• Seamed construction: Pieces are joined using professional finishing methods
• Worked flat: The cardigan is knitted in flat pieces rather than in the round, allowing for easier pattern work and shaping
• Ladder stitch seaming: A specific seaming technique worked with right sides facing, inserting the threaded needle under bars at the base of stitches to create neat, invisible seams
• Three needle bind-off: An advanced finishing technique that joins two sets of live stitches together with an extra needle, creating a secure, professional edge

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches including knit (K) and purl (P) stitches as the foundation. Specialized decrease stitches are incorporated for lace shaping, including K5tog (knit 5 together) and K3tog (knit 3 together), which create the openwork effects characteristic of lace patterns. The base fabric is worked primarily in stockinette stitch, which serves as the gauge measurement standard.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Reseda cardigan is designed specifically for Louet Euroflax 100% Wet Spun Linen yarn in Fine/Sport Weight. Each 100-gram skein provides 270 yards (246 meters) of yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size (37 inches bust) requires 3 skeins, while the largest size (51 inches bust) requires 6 skeins. This premium linen yarn is ideal for warm-weather garments and creates a beautiful drape characteristic of linen fiber.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for two circular needles: a 2.5 mm circular needle (80 cm) for ribbing and a 3.5 mm circular needle (80 cm) for the main body. Needle size should be adjusted as necessary to achieve the correct gauge. The target gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the 3.5 mm needle. A critical note for linen knitters: the sample must be machine washed and dried before measuring gauge, as linen behaves differently before and after washing.

Construction Details

The cardigan is constructed from multiple flat pieces that are seamed together using the ladder stitch method. This seaming technique is worked with right sides of the pieces facing each other, with the needle inserted under the bars at the base of stitches on alternating pieces. The yarn is pulled firmly to bring pieces together while maintaining even tension. Live stitches at garment edges are finished using the three needle bind-off technique, which creates a strong, neat closure suitable for cardigan edges.