Twist Collective Deloraine Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Deloraine Cardigan by Alexis Di Gregorio

What is Being Made

Deloraine is a seamless cardigan pattern designed by Alexis Di Gregorio for Twist Collective. This garment is available in six sizes, ranging from a finished bust measurement of 30 ½ inches up to 50 ¾ inches, with a sleeve length of approximately 21 ¾ to 26 inches depending on size. The cardigan is intended to be worn with 1–2 inches of ease for a comfortable, refined fit.

Construction Method and Techniques

Deloraine employs a bottom-up construction approach, combining seamless and worked-flat techniques for efficient garment assembly. The pattern begins with the body, which is worked in one piece from the hem to the underarm, then set aside temporarily. The sleeves are subsequently worked in the round to the underarm, after which they are joined to the body and the yoke is completed in one piece. This method minimizes seaming while maintaining structural integrity throughout the garment.

The design incorporates lace patterning as a decorative element. Knitters have the flexibility to work the lace patterns from either written text instructions or charted diagrams, accommodating different learning preferences and skill levels.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Deloraine cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with decorative lace elements:

• Ribbing: The hem is worked in K1, P1 (knit one, purl one) ribbing until the piece measures 1 inch from the cast-on edge, providing elasticity and a finished appearance at the garment's lower edge.
• Stockinette Stitch: The body and sleeves are primarily worked in stockinette stitch, creating a smooth, classic fabric base.
• Lace Charts: Right and Left Lace Charts are integrated into the body pattern, positioned symmetrically across the front and back sections. These charts are worked over 13 stitches each and add visual interest and breathability to the finished garment.

The body features strategic increases worked every 8th row to shape the garment, with the number of increases varying by size (5, 4, 4, 3, 3, or 3 times depending on the finished bust measurement).

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The pattern is designed using Tahki Yarns Alden, a luxury blend fiber containing 50% Fine Merino Wool, 25% Superfine Alpaca, and 25% Acrylic. This yarn is available in 3–5 balls per garment (depending on size), with each ball providing 250 yards of yardage and weighing 1 ¾ ounces (50 grams). The suggested colorway shown in the pattern is #10 Marine Blue. This fiber composition provides warmth, softness, and durability suitable for a refined cardigan.

Needles: The pattern calls for Size 5 US (3.75 mm) circular needles in two configurations. For the body and yoke, a circular needle measuring 24–48 inches in length is recommended, with the specific length chosen based on the desired finished bust size. For sleeve knitting in the round, needles in the preferred style for small circumference knitting in the round are specified, also in Size 5 US (3.75 mm). Circular needles allow for seamless construction and accommodate the transition from flat to in-the-round knitting as the pattern progresses.