Noro Lace Jacket (Hanami) Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Noro Lace Jacket (Hanami)

What is Being Made

The Noro Lace Jacket (Hanami) is a sophisticated lace cardigan designed to fit bust sizes 34-38 inches. This elegant garment features an open lace pattern throughout, creating a delicate and breathable design suitable for layering. The finished jacket measures 37 inches in width and 24 inches in length, with sleeves that measure 16½ inches from cuff to underarm.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that work together to create its refined appearance:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The jacket is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing for easy fitting adjustments and a natural progression through the garment pieces.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which is typical for seamed cardigan construction.
• Lace Patterning: An intricate 20-row lace repeat forms the primary design element, incorporating yarn overs and knit-two-together decreases to create openwork motifs throughout the front and back panels.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces (front panels, back panel, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then seamed together, providing structure and clean finishing.
• Ribbed Edging: A knit-purl rib pattern (K2, P2) provides elastic edges at the cuffs and front opening, ensuring the garment maintains its shape.

Stitches Used

The Noro Lace Jacket employs a focused selection of fundamental knitting stitches to achieve its elegant aesthetic:

• Knit (K): The primary stitch forming the base structure of the fabric.
• Purl (P): Used in combination with knit stitches to create the ribbed borders and to define pattern sections.
• Yarn Over (yo/yfrn): Creates the deliberate holes and openwork characteristic of lace knitting, adding visual interest and lightness to the garment.
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease stitch that pairs with yarn overs to form the lace motifs and maintain stitch count across rows.
• Ribbing Pattern (K2, P2): A two-stitch repeat that creates the elastic, textured edges at the cuffs and button bands.

Lace Pattern Details

The lace pattern is worked over a 20-row repeat and features a sophisticated interplay of yarn overs and decreases. The pattern begins with a K2, P2 ribbed foundation and transitions into repeating lace motifs that shift progressively across the rows. Each motif spans 6 stitches and incorporates a yarn over paired with a knit two-together decrease, creating diagonal lines and openwork that move across the fabric in a flowing, organic manner. This creates a dynamic visual effect while maintaining the structural integrity of the garment.

Materials

The Noro Lace Jacket is designed to showcase the beautiful characteristics of premium yarn and requires specific needles for optimal results:

• Yarn: 360 grams of Noro Silk Garden Lite in shade #2126. This yarn blend combines silk and other fibers, providing a lustrous finish and drape that beautifully displays lace patterns. The "Lite" weight makes the garment appropriately lightweight and breathable.
• Needles: One pair of size US 6 (4mm) needles for the ribbed cuff and edging sections, and one pair of size US 7 (4.5mm) needles for the main lace pattern work. The needle size increase allows the lace pattern to open up properly while maintaining definition in the ribbed sections.
• Notions: Five buttons are required for the front closure.

Gauge and Tension

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this garment to fit properly. The pattern specifies a tension of 21 stitches and 23 rows over a 4-inch square when measured over the lace pattern using size US 7 (4.5mm) needles. This relatively loose gauge is appropriate for lace knitting, allowing the openwork to display clearly while maintaining fabric stability.

Construction Overview

The jacket consists of separate front and back panels worked flat with the lace pattern dominating