CRIOSTAL CARDIGAN


A mesh v-neck cardigan with easy drop-shoulder construction, Criostal can function as a beach coverup, a thermal layer, or a dressy statement piece - depending on the yarn and
 the colour you choose. Perfect for summer when worked in plant-based yarns, it is equally 
wearable as an airy winter cardigan when knitted up in a rustic wool.

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MATERIALS & INFORMATION

SIZING
finished &blocked garment in Size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
measures as follows around Chest Circumference:

90cm/ 36” (100cm/ 40”, 110cm/ 44”, 120cm/ 48”, 130cm/ 52”, 140cm/ 56”, 150cm/ 60”, 160cm/ 64”)



FIT
recommended to be worn with approximately 15cm/ 6” of ease; however depending on preferred fit and styling anything from zero ease to 30cm/ 12” of ease can be suitable.

GAUGE

13 sts x 17 rounds/ rows = 10cm x 10cm,
in lace pattern for main fabric

YARN

suitable for DK-Aran weight yarns or equivalent
(approximately 160-200m/ 100g)

project requires approximately 5 (6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8) 100g skeins assuming cropped or standard bodice length
(note: if using Nutiden or similar, you will need approximately 100g less yarn than stated above)

NEEDLES

circular needles, 5mm in diameter
or as needed to meet gauge for main fabric 


NOTIONS

stitch markers, measuring tape, tapestry needle,
scrap-yarn

, 5-7 buttons

SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

basic lacework, simplified short rows (no special skill required), 3-needle bind-off, picking up stitches from selvage edge

CONSTRUCTION
Worked bottom-up, with drop shoulder construction.

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SAMPLE INFO

pastel-green sample
knitted in Apple Oak Fibre Works Cottlecot
‘Pistachio’ colourway
Size 3, modelled with 25cm/ 10” of ease

navy blue sample
knitted in Höner och Eir Nutiden
Size 3, modelled with 15cm/ 6” and 20cm/ 8” of ease

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NOTES ON YARN SELECTION

The Criostal lace motif seems to work with pretty much anything that suits the gauge - however, you will have completely different looks and ‘vibes’ depending on the type of yarn you use.

Some factors to consider:

. yarn content: for wearing next to skin, opt for a plant fibre or silk. Being mesh, the blouse is of course transparent - but not as much as I expected, and looks completely acceptable worn in public over a skin-tone undergarment.

. yarn colour: this design tends to look organic and minimalist in a neutral colour, and pop-arty (and a bit 1980s?) in a vibrant colour. Consider also how much contrast there is between the yarn colour and your skin tone. The more contrast, the more ‘naked’ you will look underneath the mesh if wearing over bare skin (which is neither good or bad - just be aware, depending on the effect you are going for).

. yarn texture: consider whether you prefer a matte, fuzzy, smooth or shiny yarn. This will change the look of the lace completely. For example - with smoother and shinier yarns, the top looks more dressy. With matte and textured yarns, the top looks more relaxed and casual. For a truly beachy look, consider a ‘ropey’ yarn, such as a linen blend. Note that in fuzzy yarns, the mesh tends to close up a bit more.

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Note: This pattern is part of the Criostal Collection
See also:
Criostal Blouse
Criostal Shawl and Collar

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