Noro Bouquet Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Noro Bouquet Cardigan - Knitted Lace Design

What is Being Made

The Noro Bouquet is a sophisticated lace cardigan designed by Jenny Watson, available in five sizes ranging from X Small to X Large. This garment features a classic button-front cardigan silhouette with a full-length construction, measuring between 46 to 54 centimeters in length depending on size. The cardigan is designed to fit bust measurements from 81/86 centimeters (X Small) up to 122/127 centimeters (X Large), with actual finished measurements ranging from 91 to 131 centimeters across the bust.

Construction Method

The Bouquet cardigan is worked flat on straight needles using a bottom-up construction technique, meaning the garment is knitted from the lower edge upward. Individual pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together to create the finished garment. This approach allows for precise shaping and easier adjustments during the knitting process, particularly for armhole and neckline shaping.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This design incorporates lace patterning as a primary decorative element throughout the cardigan. The lace is created using fundamental lace-knitting techniques including yarn-forward increases (yfwd) paired with decreases such as knit two together (K2tog) and slip-stitch-knit-pass-slipped-stitch-over (s1, K1, psso). These decreases and increases create the characteristic openwork of lace knitting.

• Ribbing: The cardigan begins with 1x1 ribbing (alternating knit and purl stitches) worked on 4mm needles, creating a fitted edge that provides elasticity and structure at the lower edge.
• Stockinette Stitch Base: The main body is worked in stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), which provides a smooth, classic background for the lace pattern.
• Lace Pattern Repeats: The lace motif uses a repeating pattern combining yarn-forward increases with paired decreases to create openwork sections throughout the garment.
• Shaping Decreases: Decreases are strategically placed at armhole edges and neck edges to create proper garment fit and shape.

Materials Required

The Bouquet cardigan is designed to showcase Noro Janome yarn in Color 5. Yarn quantities vary by size: X Small and Small require 5 balls of 50-gram weight, Medium requires 6 balls, Large requires 7 balls, and X Large requires 8 balls, with the largest size (9 balls) for the 122/127 centimeter bust measurement. The project requires two pairs of knitting needles: 5mm (US Size 8) needles for the main fabric and 4mm (US Size 6) needles for the ribbed edging. Eight to nine buttons are needed depending on size to complete the button-front closure.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) when worked in stockinette stitch using 5mm (US Size 8) needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for proper fit, as variations will affect the finished bust measurement and overall proportions of the cardigan.

Design Features

The cardigan includes set-in sleeves with sleeve lengths ranging from 31 to 33 centimeters depending on size. The garment features shaped armholes created through strategic decreasing, and a tailored neckline with deliberate shaping for a refined finish. The button band and front opening are integral to the seamed construction, with buttons spaced appropriately along the front closure.