String Broome Cardigan Knitting Pattern

String Broome Cardigan

What is Being Made

The String Broome Cardigan is a sophisticated knitted cardigan designed by Lidia Karabinech. This garment is available in four sizes—Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large—with finished bust measurements ranging from 36¾ inches (93.5 cm) to 48 inches (122 cm) and length measurements from 27 inches (68.5 cm) to 28½ inches (72.5 cm). The cardigan features an elegant V-neckline and is constructed with a refined lace pattern throughout, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques

The Broome Cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that define its construction and aesthetic:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing for easier fitting adjustments and a more intuitive building process.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which is traditional for cardigan construction and allows for seaming at the side seams and shoulder seams.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces—front panels, back panel, and sleeves—are knitted separately and then seamed together, creating clean, professional finishing.
• Lace Patterning: The cardigan features an all-over lace pattern that creates an open, airy fabric with decorative yarn-over and decrease elements throughout.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches combined to create textured and decorative effects:

• K1, P1 Rib: A basic ribbed stitch used for the lower border and cuff edgings. This stitch alternates knit and purl stitches in a repeating pattern of 2 stitches, creating vertical columns that provide elasticity and structure.
• Lace Pattern: The primary stitch pattern used throughout the body of the cardigan. This lace pattern is worked over a 2-stitch repeat and alternates between rows of yarn-overs paired with decreases (ssk and k2tog) and plain purl rows, creating an open, latticed fabric.
• Decreases: The pattern uses two primary decrease techniques—ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit 2 together)—which are strategically placed to shape the armholes and create the V-neckline shaping.
• Yarn-Overs: Used extensively in the lace pattern to create the characteristic openwork and decorative holes that define the lace aesthetic.

Materials and Tools

The Broome Cardigan is designed to be knitted with specific materials that contribute to its luxurious drape and feel:

• Yarn: STRING CASHSETA yarn in color 200007 dune. This yarn is composed of 50% cashmere and 50% silk, providing a blend of softness, warmth, and elegant sheen. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 114 yards (105 meters) of yardage. The project requires 6 to 8 balls depending on size, with smaller sizes requiring 6 to 7 balls and larger sizes requiring 7 to 8 balls.
• Needles: One pair of size 8 (5mm) straight needles for the main body pieces, worked flat. Additionally, one size 8 (5mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches (80 cm) long is required for the border application.
• Gauge: The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in the Lace Pattern after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.
• Additional Notions: Stitch holders are required to hold stitches for the shoulders and neckline during construction, and a yarn needle is needed for seaming pieces together and weaving in ends.

Construction Details

The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces that are later seamed together. The left front panel is cast on with 32 to 42 stitches depending on size and begins with a 6-row K1, P1 ribbed edging before transitioning into the main Lace Pattern. The front continues in lace until the piece reaches 19 inches (48.5 cm) in length, at which point arm