Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Horatio Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Horatio Cardigan

Garment Overview

The Horatio Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Irina Poludnenko, featuring elegant lace detailing throughout. This garment is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed construction method and worked flat on straight needles. The cardigan is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 38 inches (96.5 cm) to 54½ inches (138.5 cm) and lengths from 19½ inches (49.5 cm) to 23 inches (58.5 cm).

Techniques and Construction

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its sophisticated appearance. The bottom-up construction method means the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and progressing upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The seamed construction approach involves knitting separate pieces—front panels, back panel, and sleeves—which are then joined together using a yarn needle, creating clean, professional seams.

The design incorporates lace as a primary decorative element, achieved through strategic yarn overs and decreases that create openwork patterns. Two distinct eyelet lace patterns are utilized: Eyelet Pattern A and Eyelet Pattern B, both based on multiples of 8 stitches. Additionally, a Lace Rib stitch pattern is featured, combining the structure of ribbing with lace elements for added visual interest and texture variation.

The cardigan includes structured shaping at the armholes and neckline. Armhole shaping is accomplished through strategic decreases worked at the beginning of rows, while the neck and shoulder shaping are worked simultaneously using bind-off techniques to create a finished neckline suitable for the button closure.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K): The fundamental stitch forming the base of the fabric
• Purl stitch (P): Used to create texture and pattern variation, particularly in the eyelet patterns
• Yarn over (yo): Creates the openwork characteristic of lace patterns by increasing stitches and forming decorative holes
• Knit 2 together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to shape the garment and create lace motifs
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease providing balanced shaping in lace patterns
• Slip, slip, purl (ssp): The purl equivalent of ssk, used in specific pattern sections
• Eyelet patterns: Combinations of yarn overs and decreases creating decorative openwork
• Lace Rib: A hybrid stitch combining ribbed structure with lace elements

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Horatio Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Stacy Charles Fine Yarns LIA, a luxury blend yarn composed of 41% cotton, 27% linen, and 32% polyester metallic. This fiber content creates a breathable, lustrous fabric with subtle shimmer from the metallic component. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 136 yards (125 meters) of yardage.

Yarn requirements vary by size: Small and Medium sizes require 6 balls each, Large requires 7 balls, XL requires 8 balls, 2X requires 8 balls, and 3X requires 9 balls of LIA yarn in color #06 jade. The specified color is a sophisticated jade tone that complements the lace patterns.

Needles and Tools

Construction requires size 7 (4.5mm) straight needles for the main garment pieces. A size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 cm) is used for the neck edging. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends, and one button measuring ½ inch (13 mm) in diameter for the cardigan closure.

Gauge Information

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern. The Eyelet Pattern A or B should measure 19 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm). The Lace