Flora Cardigan - PDF Knitting Pattern

The Flora Cardigan is an airy, lightweight, romantic lace cardigan named after the Roman goddess Flora for her symbolism as the deity of flowers and blossoming spring. This design is the finest lace garment that will feel like wearing a wisp of a cloud. Featuring a set-in sleeve and drop shoulder construction, the Flora Cardigan has a repeating lace motif placed along the back, front, and sleeves. Elegantly shaped, this cardigan is knit from the top down by working the back panel first, followed by the front panels featuring soft neckline shaping. The body is joined at the underarms for a seamless connection between the front and back. The sleeves are knit from the top down, set into the body to create a graceful flow from the shoulders to the wrist. The sleeves come in two options, close fitted for a tailored appearance, or balloon sleeves to add a touch of movement to the silhouette. The button band, body hem, and collar are knit last, featuring a crisp double knit button band and the option for a twisted rib or 1x1 rib stitch for the hem and collar. Instructions on fit and length adjust, or different yarn weight are provided in the modifications section.

The model is wearing a size 2 with a chest circumference of 81 cm [31¾ inches] and 9 cm [3½ inches] of positive ease.

Difficulty: 2.5/5 - Suitable for knitters with an intermediate skill level or greater. You should be able to knit from a chart and basic lace stitches (k2tog, ssk, yo).

Pattern Disclaimer: This pattern provides significant opportunities for personal customizability. Therefore, there are instances in the pattern where direct instructions are not provided. Instead, the pattern indicates when it will be up to you to assess and determine the ideal length and coverage based on your individual needs  and preferences. 

Sizes: 0, 1, 2 (3, 4, 5, 6) 7, 8, 9, 10

Finished Chest Circumference: 70, 80, 90 (100, 110, 120, 130) 140, 150, 160, 170 cm [27½, 31½, 35½ (39½, 43¼, 47¼, 51¼) 55, 59, 63, 67 inches]

Finished Length: 52.5, 52.5, 52.5 (56, 56, 59.25, 59.25) 62.5, 62.5, 62.5, 66 cm [20¾, 20¾, 20¾ (22, 22, 23¼, 23¼) 24½, 24½, 24½, 26 inches]

Finished Upper Sleeve Circumference: 46, 46, 46 (46, 54, 54, 54) 54, 61.75, 61.75, 61.75 cm [18, 18, 18 (18, 21¼, 21¼, 21¼) 21¼, 24¼, 24¼, 24¼ inches] 

Gauge:
28 stitches x 30 rows = 10 x 10 cm 
[4 x 4 inches] in the Lace pattern on 3mm [US 2.5] needles (Example: Two repeats of Rows 1-20 of the Lace Chart).
28 stitches x 30 rows = 10 x 10 cm 
[4 x 4 inches] in blocked stockinette on 3mm [US 2.5] needles.

Suggested needles:
Lace: 3mm [US 2.5] circular needles 
Ribbing: 2mm [US 0] circular needles

Suggested yarn:
100, 100, 100 (125, 125, 150, 150) 175, 175, 200, 200 g lace weight yarn 
840, 840, 840 (1050, 1050, 1260, 1260) 1470, 1470, 1680, 1680 m / 916, 916, 916 (1142, 1142, 1368, 1368) 1594, 1594, 1820, 1820 yds lace weight yarn

Examples: 
Plain Material Monday (25 g = 210 m / 229 yds)
De Rerum Natura Berenice (25 g = 210 m / 229 yds)

Additional materials:
6-8 (10-15mm) buttons
Tapestry needle
Stitch holders or scrap yarn
Stitch markers
Measuring tape
Scissors

Size Guide
The Flora Cardigan is designed with 5-10 cm [2-4 inches] of positive ease at the chest. Positive ease refers to the final garment measuring larger than your initial measurement. It is recommended that you steam or wet block the cardigan when measurements are provided to ensure you meet the recommended measurements.

Sizes 0, 1, 2 (3, 4, 5, 6) 7, 8, 9, 10 are based on an initial chest circumference measurement of 60-65, 70-75, 80-85 (90-95, 100-105, 110-115, 120-125) 130-135, 140-145, 150-155, 160-165 cm [23½-25½, 27½-29½, 31½-33½ (35½-37½, 39½-41½, 43¼-45¼, 47¼-49½) 51¼-53¼, 55-57, 59-61, 63-65 inches].

To choose your size:
1. Measure your chest at its widest circumference, making sure the measuring tape is snug but not too tight. You should be able to fit a finger underneath the measuring tape.
2. Add 5-10 cm [2-4 inches] to your chest measurement to account for positive ease.
3. Use the resulting measurement when selecting your size. If you are in between sizes, it is recommended that you choose the larger size. 
For example, if your chest circumference measures 107 cm [42 inches], knit a size 4 for 3 cm [1¼ inches] of positive ease, or a size 5 for 13 cm [5¼ inches] of positive ease.