Lucie Cardigan MODE Collection in Rowan Summerlite 4ply and Kidsilk Haze

Lucie Cardigan MODE Collection

What is Being Made

The Lucie Cardigan is a knitted cardigan garment designed by Chloe Thurlow as part of the MODE Collection. This intermediate-level project is available in nine size options, ranging from 71-76 cm to 152-157 cm chest measurements, making it suitable for various body sizes from children through adults. The cardigan features a classic construction with raglan armholes and includes six buttons for closure.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several key techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The cardigan uses raglan shaping, which involves strategic decreases at the armhole edges to create diagonal seam lines from underarm to neckline. The pattern incorporates ribbed edging for structure and elasticity, particularly at the cuffs and lower body. Stranded colorwork or patterning is maintained throughout the garment construction, requiring attention to stitch placement across multiple rows. The pattern also includes button band construction and a neckband finish, demonstrating intermediate finishing skills.

Stitches Used

The Lucie Cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined into a cohesive pattern. Knit and purl stitches form the basis of the ribbed sections, created in alternating single stitches (K1, P1 rib). The main body features a repeating pattern that is maintained throughout shaping, requiring knitters to keep pattern correct while simultaneously working decreases. Slip stitch, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) and knit two together (K2tog) decreases are used for raglan shaping on right-side rows, while purl two together (P2tog) and purl two together through back loop (P2tog tbl) decreases appear on wrong-side rows. These paired decreases create the characteristic diagonal lines of raglan construction.

Materials and Tools

The Lucie Cardigan is worked using a combination of two premium Rowan yarns held together throughout. Rowan Summerlite 4ply in Pure White (yarn A) provides the primary fiber content, with quantities varying by size from 7 to 9 balls of the 50-gram skeins. Rowan Kidsilk Haze in White (yarn B) is held together with the Summerlite 4ply, using 5 to 7 balls of the 25-gram skeins depending on size. This two-yarn combination creates a lightweight, delicate fabric suitable for warmer seasons.

The pattern requires two pairs of needles: 3mm (US 2/3) needles for the ribbed sections and 3½mm (US 4) needles for the main body pattern. A cable needle is also listed in the materials, suggesting cable stitch elements within the pattern. The cardigan is finished with six buttons for front closure.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

The pattern specifies a tension of 27 stitches and 34 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over the main pattern using 3½mm needles with one strand each of Summerlite 4ply and Kidsilk Haze held together. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The actual chest measurements of the completed garment range from 89.5 cm (35¼ inches) in the smallest size to 172.5 cm (68 inches) in the largest size, with corresponding length measurements that increase proportionally across the size range.

Pattern Structure

The Lucie Cardigan is constructed in separate pieces: a back, left front, and right front, which are then joined. The back piece is worked first, with the pattern maintained until the armhole shaping begins. Raglan decreases are worked consistently, with the frequency varying by size to accommodate different proportions. The front pieces follow similar construction methods, with additional shaping for button bands and neckline finishing. The pattern includes specific instructions for maintaining the stitch pattern while executing decreases, a key skill for intermediate knitters.