Novita Essentials: Grace Knitted Cardigan
This glimmering jacket will give your pant suit set some extra glamour! Knitted with the Novita Loisto sequin yarn, the Grace cardigan simply oozes a timeless elegance. The beautifully cut jacket works great with anything, be it trousers, a dress or a skirt. The stylish garment is finished with a velvet ribbon belt. The gorgeous textured pattern and the well-thought-out instructions mean it is as pleasant to knit it as it is to wear.
Designer
Piia Maria Pekkanen
Size(s)
S(M)L(XL)2XL(3XL)4XL(5XL) Sample size: S
Finished dimensions
body circumference 92(100)108(116)124(132)140(148) cm / 36.25(39.25)42.5(45.75)48.75(52)55(58.25) in
back length 50(52)56.5(59)61(63)65.5(68) cm / 19.75(20.5)22.25(23.25)24(24.75)25.75(26.75) in + collar 6 cm / 2.25 in
inside sleeve length 32(32)33(33)34(34)35(35) cm / 12.5(12.5)13(13)13.5(13.5)13.75(13.75) in
Yarn demand
Novita Loisto (4181) pearl 400(450)500(550)600(650)700(750) g
Needles and other supplies
Circular needle (80 cm / 32 in) Novita 5 mm (US 8) Other supplies: 4 removable stitch markers; velvet or leather ribbon (length 1.5 m / 60 in; width 12 mm / 0.5 in); belt buckle
Finished dimensions
body circumference 92(100)108(116)124(132)140(148) cm / 36.25(39.25)42.5(45.75)48.75(52)55(58.25) in
back length 50(52)56.5(59)61(63)65.5(68) cm / 19.75(20.5)22.25(23.25)24(24.75)25.75(26.75) in + collar 6 cm / 2.25 in
inside sleeve length 32(32)33(33)34(34)35(35) cm / 12.5(12.5)13(13)13.5(13.5)13.75(13.75) in
Stitch patterns Star stitch (flat): follow the chart and instructions (see also the Novita Knitting School video tutorial). Stockinette stitch (flat): knit the right side rows and purl the wrong side rows.
Gauge 20 sts and 18 rows = 10 cm x 10 cm / 4 in x 4 in
Techniques M1R: Make one right: pick up the strand of yarn between the sts onto the left needle from the back and knit it through the front loop. M1L: Make one left: pick up the strand of yarn between the sts onto the left needle from the front and knit it through the back loop.
Construction The cardigan is knitted in pieces.The body is knitted flat in one piece with an open front. After the armholes, the top back and fronts are knitted separately.The sleeves are knitted flat.The pieces are assembled using mattress stitch.
Body
Cast on 177(193)209(225)241(257)273(289) sts.Begin the star stitch pattern: purl the WS row.Work row 2 of chart I: work the 5 sts at the right end of the chart, repeat the 4 st pattern 42(46)50(54)58(62)64(68) times, work the 4 sts at the left end.Work row 3 of chart I.Begin increases at the front edges: work row 4, increasing 1 st at both edges following the chart.Work rows 5–16 and repeat the increases on every 4th row 3 more times.8 sts increased (one 4 st pattern repeat at both ends).Repeat rows 1–10, working the increases twice more.4 sts increased = 189(205)221(237)253(269)285(301) sts.
Work row 11 and place 4 markers for the waist darts: purl 26(30)30(34)34(38)38(42), place removable marker at next st, purl 44(48)52(56)60(64)68(72), place marker, purl 48(48)56(56)64(64)72(72), place marker, purl 44(48)52(56)60(64)68(72), place marker, purl remaining 27(31)31(35)35(39)39(43) sts.Double-check on the RS that the markers are around a knit st between two stars.
Work rows 12–16 of chart I; repeat the front decreases 2 more times and at the same time begin decreases for the waist darts following row 12 of chart II.The markers are shown in red in the chart.Work to last st before marker, sk2p at the star (slip 1 knitwise, k2tog, pass slipped st over).Repeat the decrease at every marker.8 sts decreased, 2 sts increased.Work row 13 of chart II. On row 14, decrease 2 sts at each dart: work star stitch to last 2 sts before marker, k2tog, k1 (marked st), skp (slip 1 knitwise, k1, pass slipped st over).Repeat the decreases at every dart.8 sts decreased.Work 2 rows and repeat the front increases for the last time.
You have now completed all 8 increases at the front edges and there are 177(193)209(225)241(257)273(289) sts on the needles.Work star stitch until you have worked rows 15–23 of chart II after the darts.Move the markers up, onto row 23 of chart II.The places for the markers are shown in red in the chart.
Work row 24 of chart II and begin increases for the waist darts: work to last 4 sts before marker, k2tog, make a star instead of a sk2p.K3.Skp, make a star instead of a sk2p.Repeat the increases at every dart.8 sts increased.Work row 25.Work row 26 and repeat the increases:work star stitch to last 2 sts before marker, skp, make a star instead of a sk2p.K1, k2tog, make a star instead of a sk2p.Repeat the increases at every dart.8 sts increased.193(209)225(241)257(273)289(305) sts now on the needles.Remove all markers.
Work star stitch for 10(14)14(18)18(22)22(26) rows without increasing or decreasing; on the next WS row, place 2 markers for the collar decreases: p16, place marker, purl to last 17 sts, place marker.
Work row 1 of chart III and begin the decreases for the collar:*work star stitch to last st before marker, sk2p*, repeat *–*, work to end.Work row 2.On row 3, decrease as follows: work star stitch to marker, k2tog after the marker, work star stitch to last 2 sts before marker, skp.Work row 4.On row 5, decrease as follows: work star stitch to last 2 sts before marker, k2tog, work star stitch to marker, skp after the marker.8 sts decreased (1 pattern repeat at both ends) = 185(201)217(233)249(265)281(297) sts.
Work star stitch. On the next RS row, divide the sts into three groups (= row 7 of chart III).Work 42(46)50(54)58(62)66(70) right front sts, bind off 9 sts for armhole, work 83(91)99(107)115(123)131(139) back sts, bind off 9 sts for armhole, work 42(46)50(54)58(62)66(70) left front sts.Leave the right front and back on hold while you work the left front.
Top fronts
With the 42(46)50(54)58(62)66(70) left front sts, work star stich and decreases for the collar following the left end of chart III.Repeat rows 1–8 a further 3(3)3(3)4(4)4(4) times and at the same time work decreases at the armhole: on every other row at the armhole edge bind off 2x2 sts and 0(2)2(2)0(2)2(4)x1 st.26(28)32(36)38(40)44(46) sts in the front.Work star stitch.At the armhole edge, maintain the star stitch pattern for as long as possible; with the remaining sts work stockinette st.When you have repeated the 4 row pattern repeat 10(10)11(11)12(12)13(13) times in total after the 9 bound-off sts, at the beginning of a WS row bind off 11(13)17(21)23(25)29(31) sts, work remaining 15 sts (= collar).Work star stitch and cast on 1 seam st at the end of the RS row = 16 sts.When the collar measures 13(13)13(13)14(14)14(14.5) cm / 5(5)5(5)5.5(5.5)5.5(5.75) in, bind off the sts in knit on a RS row.
Right front: mirror left front.Work the collar decreases following the right end of chart III; work the armhole decreases as in the left front; bind off on a RS row.Cast on 1 seam st in between the collar and the shoulder. Knit the collar as in the left front.
Top back
Place the 83(91)99(107)115(123)131(139) back sts on the needles.Work star stitch and at the same time work armhole decreases: on every other row at both ends, bind off 2x2 sts and 0(2)2(2)0(2)2(4)x1 st.
75(79)87(95)107(111)119(123) sts in the back.Work star stich until you have worked the 4 st pattern repeat 9(9)10(10)11(11)12(12) times in total after the bound-off sts.The back is now approx. 2 cm / 0.75 in shorter than the front, but you are on the same row in the star stitch pattern as in the front.
Bind off the middle 45(45)45(45)53(53)53(53) sts for the neckline. Work the left side first.On every other row at the neckline edge, bind off 1x4 sts and 1x11(13)17(21)23(25)29(31) sts (= remaining shoulder sts).Knit the other side in the same manner, mirroring the first side.
Sleeves
Cast on 49(53)57(61)65(69)73(77) sts.Purl 1 row, then begin the star stitch pattern on row 1 of chart IV.Work the 5 sts at the right end of the chart, repeat the 4 st pattern 10(11)12(13)14(15)16(17) times, work the 4 sts at the left end. Work rows 2–4.
Now keep repeating rows 1–4 of the chart.After working rows 1–4 a total of 3 times, on the next RS row begin sleeve increases: k1, M1R, work star stich to last st, M1L, k1. Repeat the increases 2 times every 6th row, 5 times every 4th row and 4(5)5(5)6(6)7(7) times every other row = 73(79)83(87)93(97)103(107) sts. Work the increased sts following the star pattern for as long as you can; work the remaining sts in stockinette st.
When the piece measures 32(32)33(33)34(34)35(35) cm / 12.5(12.5)13(13)13.5(13.5)13.75(13.75) in, begin the sleeve cap. At both ends, bind off 1x4 sts at the beginning of row; on every other row bind off 2x2 sts, 7(8)8(8)9(9)10(10)x1 st and 2x2 sts = 35(39)43(47)51(55)59(63) sts.Bind off 2 sts at the beginning of the next row and work sk2p decreases at every star.2 sts decreased at all 7(8)9(10)11(12)13(14) stars.Bind off 2 sts at the beginning of the WS row.On the RS row, bind off the remaining 17(19)21(23)25(27)29(31) sts.
Knit the other sleeve in the same manner.
Finishing
Sew the shoulder seams.Sew together the ends of the collar.Align the pieces so that the seam is at the midpoint of the back neckline. Sew the open edge of the collar to the neckline.Note:The collar is shorter than the neckline and it is meant to gather the fabric when sewn.Stitch through every row at the collar; at the neckline edge, alternate stitching under 1 st and 1½ sts to gather the fabric.Sew the sleeve seams.Attach the sleeves.Weave in ends.Pin to measurements wrong side up. Mist or steam lightly.
Belt: pass a velvet ribbon through the waist. At the midpoint of every dart, pass the ribbon under one stitch. Try on the cardigan and cut the ribbon to suitable length. Sew the ends to the front edges and attach the buckle.
Novita Essentials: Grace Knitted Cardigan
Size(s)
S(M)L(XL)2XL(3XL)4XL(5XL) Sample size: S
Finished dimensions
body circumference 92(100)108(116)124(132)140(148) cm / 36.25(39.25)42.5(45.75)48.75(52)55(58.25) in
back length 50(52)56.5(59)61(63)65.5(68) cm / 19.75(20.5)22.25(23.25)24(24.75)25.75(26.75) in + collar 6 cm / 2.25 in
inside sleeve length 32(32)33(33)34(34)35(35) cm / 12.5(12.5)13(13)13.5(13.5)13.75(13.75) in
Yarn demand
Novita Loisto (4181) pearl 400(450)500(550)600(650)700(750) g
Needles and other supplies
Circular needle (80 cm / 32 in) Novita 5 mm (US 8) Other supplies: 4 removable stitch markers; velvet or leather ribbon (length 1.5 m / 60 in; width 12 mm / 0.5 in); belt buckle
Stitch patterns Star stitch (flat): follow the chart and instructions (see also the Novita Knitting School video tutorial). Stockinette stitch (flat): knit the right side rows and purl the wrong side rows.
Gauge 20 sts and 18 rows = 10 cm x 10 cm / 4 in x 4 in
Techniques M1R: Make one right: pick up the strand of yarn between the sts onto the left needle from the back and knit it through the front loop. M1L: Make one left: pick up the strand of yarn between the sts onto the left needle from the front and knit it through the back loop.
Construction The cardigan is knitted in pieces.The body is knitted flat in one piece with an open front. After the armholes, the top back and fronts are knitted separately.The sleeves are knitted flat.The pieces are assembled using mattress stitch.
Body
Cast on 177(193)209(225)241(257)273(289) sts.Begin the star stitch pattern: purl the WS row.Work row 2 of chart I: work the 5 sts at the right end of the chart, repeat the 4 st pattern 42(46)50(54)58(62)64(68) times, work the 4 sts at the left end.Work row 3 of chart I.Begin increases at the front edges: work row 4, increasing 1 st at both edges following the chart.Work rows 5–16 and repeat the increases on every 4th row 3 more times.8 sts increased (one 4 st pattern repeat at both ends).Repeat rows 1–10, working the increases twice more.4 sts increased = 189(205)221(237)253(269)285(301) sts.
Work row 11 and place 4 markers for the waist darts: purl 26(30)30(34)34(38)38(42), place removable marker at next st, purl 44(48)52(56)60(64)68(72), place marker, purl 48(48)56(56)64(64)72(72), place marker, purl 44(48)52(56)60(64)68(72), place marker, purl remaining 27(31)31(35)35(39)39(43) sts.Double-check on the RS that the markers are around a knit st between two stars.
Work rows 12–16 of chart I; repeat the front decreases 2 more times and at the same time begin decreases for the waist darts following row 12 of chart II.The markers are shown in red in the chart.Work to last st before marker, sk2p at the star (slip 1 knitwise, k2tog, pass slipped st over).Repeat the decrease at every marker.8 sts decreased, 2 sts increased.Work row 13 of chart II. On row 14, decrease 2 sts at each dart: work star stitch to last 2 sts before marker, k2tog, k1 (marked st), skp (slip 1 knitwise, k1, pass slipped st over).Repeat the decreases at every dart.8 sts decreased.Work 2 rows and repeat the front increases for the last time.
You have now completed all 8 increases at the front edges and there are 177(193)209(225)241(257)273(289) sts on the needles.Work star stitch until you have worked rows 15–23 of chart II after the darts.Move the markers up, onto row 23 of chart II.The places for the markers are shown in red in the chart.
Work row 24 of chart II and begin increases for the waist darts: work to last 4 sts before marker, k2tog, make a star instead of a sk2p.K3.Skp, make a star instead of a sk2p.Repeat the increases at every dart.8 sts increased.Work row 25.Work row 26 and repeat the increases:work star stitch to last 2 sts before marker, skp, make a star instead of a sk2p.K1, k2tog, make a star instead of a sk2p.Repeat the increases at every dart.8 sts increased.193(209)225(241)257(273)289(305) sts now on the needles.Remove all markers.
Work star stitch for 10(14)14(18)18(22)22(26) rows without increasing or decreasing; on the next WS row, place 2 markers for the collar decreases: p16, place marker, purl to last 17 sts, place marker.
Work row 1 of chart III and begin the decreases for the collar:*work star stitch to last st before marker, sk2p*, repeat *–*, work to end.Work row 2.On row 3, decrease as follows: work star stitch to marker, k2tog after the marker, work star stitch to last 2 sts before marker, skp.Work row 4.On row 5, decrease as follows: work star stitch to last 2 sts before marker, k2tog, work star stitch to marker, skp after the marker.8 sts decreased (1 pattern repeat at both ends) = 185(201)217(233)249(265)281(297) sts.
Work star stitch. On the next RS row, divide the sts into three groups (= row 7 of chart III).Work 42(46)50(54)58(62)66(70) right front sts, bind off 9 sts for armhole, work 83(91)99(107)115(123)131(139) back sts, bind off 9 sts for armhole, work 42(46)50(54)58(62)66(70) left front sts.Leave the right front and back on hold while you work the left front.
Top fronts
With the 42(46)50(54)58(62)66(70) left front sts, work star stich and decreases for the collar following the left end of chart III.Repeat rows 1–8 a further 3(3)3(3)4(4)4(4) times and at the same time work decreases at the armhole: on every other row at the armhole edge bind off 2x2 sts and 0(2)2(2)0(2)2(4)x1 st.26(28)32(36)38(40)44(46) sts in the front.Work star stitch.At the armhole edge, maintain the star stitch pattern for as long as possible; with the remaining sts work stockinette st.When you have repeated the 4 row pattern repeat 10(10)11(11)12(12)13(13) times in total after the 9 bound-off sts, at the beginning of a WS row bind off 11(13)17(21)23(25)29(31) sts, work remaining 15 sts (= collar).Work star stitch and cast on 1 seam st at the end of the RS row = 16 sts.When the collar measures 13(13)13(13)14(14)14(14.5) cm / 5(5)5(5)5.5(5.5)5.5(5.75) in, bind off the sts in knit on a RS row.
Right front: mirror left front.Work the collar decreases following the right end of chart III; work the armhole decreases as in the left front; bind off on a RS row.Cast on 1 seam st in between the collar and the shoulder. Knit the collar as in the left front.
Top back
Place the 83(91)99(107)115(123)131(139) back sts on the needles.Work star stitch and at the same time work armhole decreases: on every other row at both ends, bind off 2x2 sts and 0(2)2(2)0(2)2(4)x1 st.
75(79)87(95)107(111)119(123) sts in the back.Work star stich until you have worked the 4 st pattern repeat 9(9)10(10)11(11)12(12) times in total after the bound-off sts.The back is now approx. 2 cm / 0.75 in shorter than the front, but you are on the same row in the star stitch pattern as in the front.
Bind off the middle 45(45)45(45)53(53)53(53) sts for the neckline. Work the left side first.On every other row at the neckline edge, bind off 1x4 sts and 1x11(13)17(21)23(25)29(31) sts (= remaining shoulder sts).Knit the other side in the same manner, mirroring the first side.
Sleeves
Cast on 49(53)57(61)65(69)73(77) sts.Purl 1 row, then begin the star stitch pattern on row 1 of chart IV.Work the 5 sts at the right end of the chart, repeat the 4 st pattern 10(11)12(13)14(15)16(17) times, work the 4 sts at the left end. Work rows 2–4.
Now keep repeating rows 1–4 of the chart.After working rows 1–4 a total of 3 times, on the next RS row begin sleeve increases: k1, M1R, work star stich to last st, M1L, k1. Repeat the increases 2 times every 6th row, 5 times every 4th row and 4(5)5(5)6(6)7(7) times every other row = 73(79)83(87)93(97)103(107) sts. Work the increased sts following the star pattern for as long as you can; work the remaining sts in stockinette st.
When the piece measures 32(32)33(33)34(34)35(35) cm / 12.5(12.5)13(13)13.5(13.5)13.75(13.75) in, begin the sleeve cap. At both ends, bind off 1x4 sts at the beginning of row; on every other row bind off 2x2 sts, 7(8)8(8)9(9)10(10)x1 st and 2x2 sts = 35(39)43(47)51(55)59(63) sts.Bind off 2 sts at the beginning of the next row and work sk2p decreases at every star.2 sts decreased at all 7(8)9(10)11(12)13(14) stars.Bind off 2 sts at the beginning of the WS row.On the RS row, bind off the remaining 17(19)21(23)25(27)29(31) sts.
Knit the other sleeve in the same manner.
Finishing
Sew the shoulder seams.Sew together the ends of the collar.Align the pieces so that the seam is at the midpoint of the back neckline. Sew the open edge of the collar to the neckline.Note:The collar is shorter than the neckline and it is meant to gather the fabric when sewn.Stitch through every row at the collar; at the neckline edge, alternate stitching under 1 st and 1½ sts to gather the fabric.Sew the sleeve seams.Attach the sleeves.Weave in ends.Pin to measurements wrong side up. Mist or steam lightly.
Belt: pass a velvet ribbon through the waist. At the midpoint of every dart, pass the ribbon under one stitch. Try on the cardigan and cut the ribbon to suitable length. Sew the ends to the front edges and attach the buckle.
