Stippled Ink Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Stippled Ink Cardigan in Juniper Moon Findley Dappled

What Is Being Made

The Stippled Ink cardigan is a knitted garment designed by Caroline Fryar using Juniper Moon Farm Findley Dappled yarn. This cardigan is available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large, with finished bust measurements of 36 (40, 44) inches or 91.5 (101.5, 112) centimeters when closed. The cardigan is designed to be worn with 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The center back length measures 22¾ (25¼, 27¾) inches or 57 (63, 69) centimeters, making this a standard-length cardigan suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Construction Technique

This cardigan employs a distinctive horizontal knitting method that sets it apart from traditional top-down or bottom-up construction. The garment begins with a provisional cast-on worked down the back, allowing the knitter to later return to these stitches for seamless integration. The back is knit horizontally across its width, and stitches are strategically bound off to create armholes. After completing the back section, new stitches are cast on over the armhole openings to form the front panels, which can be customized to the desired length. The sleeves are then picked up around the armhole edges and knit downward, offering flexibility for adjusting sleeve length to personal preference. This modular approach provides both structural elegance and practical customization options.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout this cardigan is the Trellis and Leaf Pattern, a sophisticated lace motif that creates visual interest and texture. This pattern works over a multiple of 12 stitches plus 1 additional stitch and repeats over 20 rows. The Trellis and Leaf Pattern incorporates several fundamental knitting techniques:

• Yarn overs (yo) create deliberate openings that form the lacy, delicate appearance characteristic of the design
• Knit two together (k2tog) decreases that slant to the right, used strategically throughout the pattern
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases that slant to the left, providing balanced shaping
• Slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, k2tog, psso), a double decrease that creates central focal points in the lace design
• Purl stitches (p) on all odd-numbered (wrong side) rows establish the foundation between pattern rows

The interplay of these decreases and yarn overs creates the characteristic trellis and leaf motifs that give the pattern its name. The 20-row repeat allows for a complex, visually engaging pattern that remains manageable for intermediate to advanced knitters. Rows 2, 4, and 6 establish the initial leaf formations, while rows 8 and 10 develop the trellis framework. Rows 12 through 20 complete the pattern repeat with variations that create depth and movement across the fabric.

Materials and Tools

This project requires Juniper Moon Farm Findley Dappled yarn in color #02 Uncial. The yardage needed varies by size: 2 balls for Small and Medium sizes, and 3 balls for the Large size. Findley Dappled is the specific yarn base used for this design, chosen for its characteristics that work well with the Trellis and Leaf Pattern.

The recommended needles are US 5 (3.75mm) circular needles in two configurations: a 40-inch (100-centimeter) circular needle for working the main body sections, and either double-pointed needles or a 16-inch (40-centimeter) circular needle for working smaller circumferences such as the sleeves. Knitters should adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Additional notions required include waste yarn for the provisional cast-on, stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction points, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and any finishing work.

Gauge

The specified gauge for this project is 19 stitches and 32 rows equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working the Trellis and Leaf Pattern and measuring after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements, as even small variations can significantly affect the cardigan