Mistral is a short cardigan aimed for summer wear over tank tops or sleeveless dresses, especially for warm-weather fibers like cotton, linen, or silk.

The shoulders are fitted, so the cardigan won’t slide down your back, but the body is knitted loosely in a silk/linen fiber that gives a wonderful drape and breathability. The prime features here are the decorative bands, which include attachment on both horizontal and vertical approaches. For more details, see the Special Topics in Finishing article in Cast On, Summer 2026.

Sizes
Womens XS (S, M, L, XL) 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X

Finished Measurements
Chest at Underarm (including bands): 38.75 (41.25, 44.5, 49, 54.75) 58.25, 62.75, 67.5, 70.25”
Cross back width: 13.5 (14.25, 14.5, 15, 15.75)16, 16.5, 17.75, 18”
Finished Length: 19.5 (20, 21, 21.5, 21.75) 22.25, 22.5, 22.5, 22.75”

Design Ease
About 5 – 7” above chest measurement.

Materials
Magpie Fibers EQUINOX WORSTED (115g/184 yd, 65% silk, 35% linen) 4 (4, 5, 5, 5) 5, 6, 6, 6 skeins Soiree (MC) and 1 (1, 1, 1, 2) 2, 2, 2, 2 sk C’est Chic (CC).

Size 5 (3.75 mm) 32” circular needles, or size to get gauge for shoulders.
Size 8 (5 mm) circular needles, or size to get gauge for body, 40” to 60” cable length to accommodate body sts.
Size 8 (5 mm), or size to get gauge for body, in circular or double point needles to work smaller diameter sleeves in the round.

Tapestry needle
Removable stitch markers in two different colors, Color A and Color B.
Stitch holders or waste yarn (WY)

Gauge
In St st, 22 sts and 32 rows = 4” on smallest needles for shoulders.
In St st, 18 sts and 22 rows = 4” on largest needles for body and sleeves.
To save time, take time to check gauge.