Willow & Lark Lily Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Willow & Lark Lily Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Lily Cardigan is a feminine lace cardigan from the Wilderness Collection, designed as an intermediate-level knitting project. This seamed, worked-flat cardigan features a striking contrast between an elegant lace and cable pattern on the sleeves and a plain stocking stitch body. The garment is finished with a distinctive shawl collar, adding dramatic period-inspired styling to the design. Available in six sizes ranging from 32 inches to 42 inches bust measurement, the cardigan offers versatility for different body types.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its sophisticated aesthetic. The primary techniques include cable knitting for dimensional texture, lace work for delicate patterning, and seaming for garment construction. The cardigan is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier cable and lace pattern management. The combination of cables and lace creates visual interest on the sleeves while the body remains in simple stocking stitch, demonstrating thoughtful design that balances complexity with wearability.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Lily Cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined into more complex stitch patterns. Stocking stitch forms the foundation of the cardigan body, providing a smooth, classic base. The sleeve pattern features a 32-stitch panel measuring 13 centimeters (5 inches) wide that incorporates both cable and lace stitches. Cable stitches, worked using a cable needle, create twisted rope-like textures, while lace stitches introduce openwork and delicate shaping. The pattern includes cable abbreviations such as C6B (slip next 3 stitches onto cable needle and leave at back of work, knit 3, then knit 3 from cable needle), demonstrating the intermediate-level complexity of the cable work.

Materials and Tools

The Lily Cardigan is specifically designed to be knitted using Willow & Lark Woodland yarn, a premium blend composed of 50% wool, 25% alpaca, and 25% viscose. Each ball weighs 50 grams (1.7 ounces). Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 7 to 10 balls depending on the bust measurement selected. The recommended colorways include Spiced Plum (423) and Cherry Blossom (421).

The pattern requires two pairs of straight knitting needles: 3.25mm (UK 10, US 3) and 4.00mm (UK 8, US 6), along with a 3.25mm circular knitting needle and a cable needle for cable work. The tension is established at 21 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using the 4.00mm needles, ensuring proper garment fit and drape.

Difficulty Level and Skills

Rated as an intermediate project, the Lily Cardigan requires knitters to have competency in cables and lace techniques. While the body of the cardigan uses straightforward stocking stitch, the sleeve pattern demands attention to detail and understanding of how to work cable and lace stitches in coordination. The seaming construction method adds another layer of skill, requiring neat finishing for a polished final garment. This pattern is well-suited for knitters who have completed basic projects and are ready to expand their technical repertoire.