Willow & Lark Holly Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Willow & Lark Holly Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Holly Cardigan is an elegant lace wrap-around v-neck cardigan with side ties, designed by Amanda Crawford as part of the Best of British Collection. This timeless tie-cardigan style features delicate lace stitches inspired by fern fronds and seed pods, making it an ideal project for knitters who appreciate dainty lacework and textural ruffles. The cardigan is available in six sizes, ranging from 81cm to 107cm bust measurements (32 to 42 inches), with finished lengths between 62 and 67cm at the shoulder.

Knitting Techniques

The Holly Cardigan employs bottom-up construction, meaning the garment is knitted from the lower edge upward to the shoulders. This method allows for straightforward shaping and fitting adjustments as you progress. The design incorporates lace techniques throughout, which create the delicate, openwork patterns inspired by natural botanical forms. Lace knitting requires careful attention to yarn overs and decreases to form the characteristic holes and textural elements that define this cardigan's aesthetic appeal.

Stitches and Stitch Details

• Lace stitches form the primary pattern throughout the garment, creating openwork sections that showcase the yarn's drape and light-catching qualities
• Garter stitch (knitting every row) is used for structural elements and edge finishing
• The pattern employs yarn overs and decreases to form the lace motifs, requiring intermediate to advanced stitch manipulation skills
• Repeat figures are used throughout the pattern to establish rhythm and consistency in the lace design

Materials and Tools

The Holly Cardigan is designed specifically for Willow & Lark Plume yarn, a luxurious blend of 70% mohair and 30% silk. This fiber composition creates exceptional drape and a soft, delicate appearance ideal for showcasing lace patterns. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 6 to 8 balls of 25g (0.9oz) per ball, depending on the finished bust measurement. Suggested colorways include Sea Green (323) and Port (317).

Knitting tools required include one pair of 4.00mm (UK 8 / US 6) straight needles for flat construction and a 4.00mm circular needle measuring 80cm (32 inches) for working larger sections. Additionally, 160cm (63 inches) of narrow ribbon is needed for the side ties that define this wrap-around cardigan style.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 24 stitches and 26 rows to 10cm (4 inches) when measured over the main lace pattern using 4.00mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and ensuring the lace pattern displays properly. Knitters may need to adjust needle size to match this gauge, as yarn characteristics and individual knitting styles can affect stitch size.

Difficulty Level

This is an advanced-level knitting project suitable for experienced knitters with solid lace-working skills. The combination of lace techniques, shaping, and the delicate nature of the mohair-silk blend yarn requires careful attention to stitch counts, pattern repeats, and tension maintenance throughout the project.