Plymouth Yarn Lace Panel Jacket Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Plymouth Yarn Lace Panel Jacket - Pattern No. 3250

What is Being Made

The Plymouth Yarn Lace Panel Jacket is a seamed cardigan designed in three finished sizes: 40, 44, and 48 inches. This garment features a sophisticated construction with contrasting stitch patterns, combining ribbed lower sections with stockinette stitch upper body and decorative lace panels on the front pieces. The jacket is worked in separate pieces and then assembled, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a structured, tailored cardigan with elegant lace detailing.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create its distinctive appearance and fit. The construction method involves sideways knitting for the bottom body section, which allows for horizontal shaping and creates visual interest in the ribbed lower portion. The garment is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, giving the knitter greater control over shaping and pattern placement. The jacket features seamed construction, with separate pieces for the back, two fronts, and sleeves that are later joined together. Lace patterning is incorporated into the front panels, adding an elegant, openwork element that contrasts with the solid stockinette sections. The pattern also includes strategic bind-off shaping to create armholes and sleeve cap shaping through graduated decreases.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): Used for the upper body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric that showcases the yarn's texture
• Ribbing (K1, P1): A wide rib pattern forms the lower body and lower sleeves, providing elasticity and a fitted appearance at the hem and cuffs
• Garter Stitch: Creates a ridge transition between the ribbed and stockinette sections, adding structural definition
• Lace Pattern: Featured on the front panels, adding openwork detailing and visual sophistication to the cardigan fronts

Materials and Gauge

This pattern calls for Pima Rino yarn, a high-quality fiber blend, with yardage requirements of 12, 14, or 16 fifty-gram balls depending on the finished size. The sample shown is knit in color 20 Burgundy. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch using size US 6 needles. Knitters will need size US 5 and US 6 circular needles measuring 24 inches to accommodate the flat construction method and allow for picking up stitches across the body sections. The pattern specifies using the larger needles loosely for the initial cast-on to ensure proper fabric drape and ease of working.