Willow & Lark Juliet Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Willow & Lark Juliet Cardigan

Garment Overview

The Juliet Cardigan is a versatile wrap-around cardigan from the Wilderness Collection, designed as a go-to seasonal cover-up that combines simplicity with subtle detail. This intermediate-level knitting project features a ribbed wrap-around construction that creates a flattering silhouette suitable for multiple bust sizes ranging from 81cm to 107cm (32 to 42 inches).

Design & Stitch Details

The cardigan is primarily constructed using stocking stitch, a fundamental knitting technique that creates a smooth, uniform fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns. To add visual interest and sophistication, moss stitch is strategically incorporated in subtle lines that run from the collar down to the hip area. This combination of basic stitches demonstrates how minimal detail can transform a simple garment into a statement piece.

The ribbed wrap-around design is a key structural feature that allows the cardigan to be worn in multiple ways. Ribbing, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in vertical columns, provides elasticity and helps the garment hug the body while maintaining its shape.

Construction Technique

The Juliet Cardigan is knitted using the bottom-up seamed method. This approach involves knitting the body and sleeves separately, starting from the lower edges and working upward toward the shoulders, then joining the pieces together using seaming techniques. This construction method allows for easier fitting adjustments and provides greater control over the final garment dimensions.

Materials & Tools

Yarn: The pattern is designed specifically for Willow & Lark Woodland yarn, a premium blend consisting of 50% wool, 25% alpaca, and 25% viscose. This fiber composition creates a fabric with warmth, softness, and subtle sheen. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 7 to 9 balls of 50g (1.7oz) per ball, depending on the finished bust measurement.

Suggested colorways include Oxford Navy (shade 420) and Thunder (shade 402), though alternative colors are available within the Woodland range.

Needles & Tools Required:

• One pair of 3.25mm (UK 10 / US 3) straight knitting needles
• One pair of 4.00mm (UK 8 / US 6) straight knitting needles
• 3.25mm (UK 10 / US 3) circular knitting needle
• 4.00mm (UK 8 / US 6) circular knitting needle
• Two double-pointed 3.25mm (UK 10 / US 3) knitting needles

The pattern uses a needle gauge system with both metric and UK/US sizing. The smaller needles are typically used for ribbed sections, while the larger needles accommodate the main stitch patterns. Circular needles are employed for seamless sections and working in the round, while double-pointed needles are used for smaller circumferences such as sleeve caps or neckbands.

Gauge & Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 21 stitches and 29.5 rows to 10cm (4 inches) when measured over pattern using 4.00mm (US 6) needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for proper fit and is measured over the main stitch pattern rather than stockinette alone, ensuring the moss stitch detail is accounted for in sizing calculations.

The Juliet Cardigan is available in six sizes with finished bust measurements ranging from 89cm to 117cm (35 to 46 inches), accommodating various body types. Sleeve seam length remains consistent across most sizes at approximately 46 to 48cm (18 to 19 inches), with length to shoulder varying slightly from 59cm to 64cm (23.25 to 25.25 inches) depending on size selection.

Skill Level & Technique Notes

Rated as an intermediate project, the Juliet Cardigan requires competency with fundamental knitting techniques including cast-on and bind-off methods, increasing and decreasing stitches, reading pattern instructions, and seaming pieces together. The primary stitch patterns—stocking stitch and moss stitch—are both foundational techniques, making this an accessible project for knitters progressing beyond beginner level who wish to develop their construction and finishing skills.

The pattern emphasizes that yarn choice significantly impacts the finished appearance of the garment. The