Twist Collective Ormond Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Twist Collective Ormond Cardigan by Faina Goberstein

What Is Being Made

The Ormond is a lightweight, slimming cardigan jacket designed for layering on cool evenings. This knit-flat garment features a V-neck with three-quarter length set-in sleeves and is worked primarily in one piece to minimize seaming. The design is intended to be worn with 0–2 inches of ease, making it a fitted, elegant piece suitable for versatile styling.

Construction Method

This cardigan is worked flat from the bottom up, with the body and front bands knit concurrently. The body is cast on as a single piece incorporating the left front, back, and right front sections marked with stitch markers. The front bands feature a 2x2 rib construction and are worked simultaneously with the body up to the shoulder seams. Once the shoulder seams are reached, the front bands are separated and each is worked independently to the center back, where they are joined with a seam. This technique reduces overall seaming while maintaining structural integrity at the neckline.

Techniques and Shaping

• Lace Pattern: An overall Rickrack lace pattern is featured throughout the cardigan, creating visual interest and a delicate drape suitable for the garment's intended purpose as a lightweight layer.
• Waist Shaping: Shaping at the waist is accomplished by changing needle sizes rather than through traditional decreases and increases. This technique creates a slimming silhouette while maintaining the continuity of the lace pattern.
• Needle Size Progression: The pattern uses three needle sizes—largest for the initial cast-on, smallest for a 2-inch section of the pattern, and middle-sized needles for the majority of the body. This graduated approach allows for precise shaping without disrupting the stitch pattern.
• Selvage Stitches: A 1-stitch selvage is maintained at each edge by slipping the first stitch with yarn in front and knitting the last stitch of every row, creating neat, finished edges.
• Flexible Construction: The pattern allows for optional simultaneous working of right and left fronts using separate balls of yarn, and front band stitches may be worked on smaller needles throughout if desired, offering customization for individual preferences.

Stitches Used

The Ormond employs 2x2 ribbing for the front bands, providing elasticity and structure at the cardigan's opening. The primary stitch pattern is a Rickrack lace worked across the body and sleeves, creating an openwork texture characteristic of lace knitting. The combination of these stitches—ribbed bands contrasting with delicate lace—produces a sophisticated, refined aesthetic.

Materials and Specifications

The pattern provides two yarn options, each offering distinct fiber content and yardage requirements:

• Version 1: Rowan Yarns by Amy Butler Belle (50% Organic Wool, 50% Organic Cotton; 131 yards per 1¾ ounce skein). Requires 7 to 13 skeins depending on size, shown in colorway #4 Persimmon.
• Version 2: Valley Yarns Deerfield (80% Baby Alpaca, 20% Silk; 109 yards per 1¾ ounce ball). Requires 9 to 16 balls depending on size, shown in Natural colorway.

The pattern accommodates 10 finished sizes ranging from 33½ inches to 56¾ inches bust measurement, with corresponding lengths from 20½ inches to 23¾ inches. Knitting needles in three sizes are required to execute the waist shaping technique, with the option to use size 6 US (4 mm) needles for front bands throughout if preferred.

Finished Dimensions

The Ormond is available in 10 sizes with bust measurements spanning 33½ to 56¾ inches and lengths ranging from 20½ to 23¾ inches, accommodating a wide range of body types and preferences for cardigan length.