I began this design with the goal of highlighting the waistband. Realizing that all my top choices for waistband patterns would need to be worked sideways, I selected a cable panel that I’ve been intrigued by for some time and worked the upper and lower portions of the bodice from the long edges of the panel. I used small cables complementary t...

I decided to use this design as an opportunity to experiment with collar shapes. I decided on the relatively uncommon sailor collar, which allows stitch patterns to shine due to its minimal shaping in the back. In this design, framing cables that border a complex lace panel in the front take center stage in the back collar. The cables reappear ...

The conception of this design began with the stitch pattern in the center of the front and back. It is composed of eyelets and twisted-stitch ribbing, leading to gracefully curving leaf-shaped designs. I decided to replicate the curves of the leaves by adding an extra framing cable that curves along the princess seam lines. The yarn from Hazel ...

After a year and a half of being home, I started working on site again this fall, and I found myself noticing more of the environment on my commute. This sweater is inspired by wrought-iron fencing that I pass on my way to the bus stop. The sweater body mimics the fencing, with delicate flowers formed by a unique smocking-like stitch that’s sur...

I took advantage of the lovely drape of the alpaca-blend yarn to design a boxy silhouette that showcases the stitch patterns. The unshaped body of the sweater allows the stitch patterns to flow without interruption, while the drape of the fabric keeps the sweater from appearing shapeless. The central pattern of cables and eyelets lightens the f...

This sweater is designed to showcase hexagon motifs. I’ve commonly seen variations of diamond motifs in knitting, but when I came across these stitch patterns that generate clear hexagons, I was quite intrigued. The hexagons at the hems involve working eyelets on every row; the resulting increase in width allows the body hem to skim the hips wi...

I began this design with the cable pattern at the neckline, which reminded me of two hearts intertwined with a central cable. I designed all the other cables to flow into and out of the neckline cables. I used small cables for the ribbing at the hems and continued the central one up the front into the neckline. On the back, two of the cables ru...

Inspired by the Fashion Framework theme of pleats, I designed this cardigan to be a knit version of a classic buttoned shirt with a pleat in the back yoke. The inverted box pleat falls away to reveal a lace panel. The same lace motif is repeated along the button bands. Seed stitch hems and collar offset the feminine lace with a slightly more ru...

An elegant scroll pattern framed by a simple honeycomb pattern adorns these mitts. The color pattern is repeated in the ribbing at the cuffs and fingers. These mitts combine different slip-stitch and mosaic patterns to generate a complex colorwork design while knitting with only one color in each row.

This hat features a simple check pattern worked entirely with slipped stitches in a cheerful magenta color over an orange background. The ribbing and crown are worked in a complementary neutral shade, allowing the check pattern to stand out. This cheerful hat will chase away the winter gloom.

This design incorporates leaf and floral patterns arranged in the style of a wrap top. A diagonal line of bobbles along the front from the waist to right shoulder mimics the crossover line of a wrap top, while a flower pattern is placed asymmetrically on the upper left front. Slight waist shaping keeps the sweater from sagging without sacrifici...

I started this design with the large cable panel at the center front. It reminded me of columns from ancient Greek architecture, so I expanded on this theme with very linear rows of cable ribbing. The straight lines of the all-over pattern and square neckline are softened by subtle waist shaping that takes place invisibly between ribs of the ca...

This sweater features lace panels separated by reverse stockinette stitch godets at the body and sleeve hems. The godets are decreased away until only one stitch remains between the lace panels. When the lace is worked as a panel flanked by reverse stockinette stitches, the yarn overs and decreases at the ends of the panel are prominent and giv...

This sweater was an experiment in playing with a motif in different sizes and contexts. I started with the large diamond motif at the hems and then repeated the internal heart-shaped motif twice more in the body. The recurring yo-s2kp2-yo eyelet pattern from the large motif was used to link the hearts and then continue up the body. The hearts a...

For the previous issue of Cast On magazine, I had designed a men’s sweater with cables that formed circular shapes. I loved the sweater so much that I wanted to wear it myself! I have now revisited these cable patterns in a sweater designed for women. I changed the front neckline to a V-neck, used the smaller cables to frame the V, and changed ...

For a men’s sweater, I wanted a stitch pattern that would be interesting but not overly conspicuous. I chose an all-over cable pattern worked on a stockinette background instead of the more typical reverse stockinette, yielding a subtle but texturally interesting fabric. The accent cables on each side of the neck mimic the circular design of th...

I designed this top with minimal shaping to allow the Shetland stitch patterns to take center stage. I chose a 100% plied Merino wool yarn which is sturdy and not too springy, allowing the lace to open up without compromising the structural integrity of the garment. The edging for the body and sleeves is worked lengthwise, and then stitches are...

This cardigan features cheerful nosegays, worked with bobbles, up the center front and an all-over lace pattern that provides a lighter look while keeping you warm in an all-wool yarn. The cardigan can be paired with jeans for a dressier look or can be paired with a little black dress for extra warmth during winter festivities.

Mix up your style with the dynamic duo of lacy knit and floral fabric, joined together to make this gorgeous cowl. The two textures flawlessly complement each other, and you will feel doubly glamorous every time you wear it.

This design takes advantage of the drape provided by the silk content of the yarn to achieve a soft cascade of the front lace panels. The clear stitch definition of the yarn highlights the 1×1 cables that encircle the lace pattern. The beautiful luster of the yarn makes this sweater suitable for both daytime and evening wear—try it with jeans, ...

A leafy lace and cable pattern climbs up the center of the Sabine Pullover from Valley Yarns. In this stylish v-neck sweater small, slip-stitch cables travel alongside the lace panels and curve under the armholes in mock-princess seams. Valley Yarns Colrain, a worsted weight blend of Merino and tencel, gives this pullover a slight sheen and the...

This lacy ¾-sleeve shrug will complement summer sundresses in cooler spring and autumn weather. A feminine bell border on the sleeves aligns with the lace pattern, and the front bands are worked in a small cable stitch that resists curling. The shrug is worked in one piece from the bottom hem to the underarms, then divided into back and front s...

The Ascending Leaves Pullover is a lacy sweater that’s perfect for cooler spring days, and pairs well with jeans to make the perfect outfit. Knit in Valley Yarns Longmeadow makes a soft, comfortable sweater!

August 2017: The pattern PDF available through Raverly has been updated to include all measurements in metric units as well as Imperial. Accompanying posts on my blog (linked in the pattern) provide extensive directions on maintaining stitch patterns while shaping the sweater, and customizing sizing. A full schematic is shown in the final image...

Intricate leaf and cable details will make this tank the centerpiece of any summer ensemble. Cables form princess seam lines, while an easy eyelet pattern of miniature leaves blooms over the center front and back. The width of the lace panel is proportional across sizes. This tank is worked from the bottom up, flat, and seamed; tips are provide...

A classic V-neck sweater with lace detailing at the center front will keep you feeling warm while looking stylish. The pattern includes directions for optional waist shaping and guidelines for substituting a lace panel of your choice, making this pattern a versatile staple. This sweater is worked from the bottom up, flat, and seamed. Notes for ...

We’re sure you’ll love this feminine and sophisticated knit.

I made this sweater for my mother for the 2013 holiday season, and the pattern is now ready in time for the 2014 holidays!

Calais is a classic pullover, worked bottom-up with set-in sleeves and seamed. An all-over cable rib pattern flows gracefully into larger cables that accentuate the waist, sleeve hem, and neckline.

The Ocean Wave Top is inspired by lazy afternoon days by the sea-side, a favorite way for both my and my husband’s families to spend vacation days. This top features a boat neck with lace details in the front and back, and ¾- length sleeves. A lacy striped pattern accents the lower half of the sleeves and body. This is a perfect top for breezy ...

The Fountains and Cables scarf was made as a wedding gift for a friend, and is my answer to several challenging constraints I faced in the design. The constraints were:

Renaissance Sweater is a warm but sleek sweater for the winter, with vertical ribbing stripes providing a slimming profile. The puff sleeves add a vintage look, and the picot edgings on the sleeves and keyhole neckline bring a touch of romance without excess flounces.

As a charitable contribution, a light sport-weight version of this scarf pattern is being designed for SHOKAY Orient. The pattern will be available for free through their website soon. Therefore, I am now also offering this DK-weight version of the pattern for free here. Enjoy!

Foxglove Bell Skirt is a stockinette-based pencil skirt with an eyelet ruffle hem and drawstring waistband. Worked at a loose gauge in lightweight yarn, this skirt knits up quickly with just the right combination of drape and elasticity. This skirt is meant to be worn 1/2 - 1” below the waist, with no ease at the hips, and gentle waist shaping ...

A simple, edgy alternative to a basic ribbed scarf; a perfect project once you’ve mastered knitting and purling, and want to attempt something a little more adventurous. With only 3 unique pattern rows to remember, this scarf project is easily portable, and great for brief moments of down-time. In solid color yarns, this design will highlight t...