The inspiration for this design comes from long summer days when fields of grass move gracefully in gentle breezes. Perfect for layering, Melica is a transitional cardigan that features simple, easy-to-knit lace bands on a purled background.

The pattern includes two options - a long cardigan with long sleeves (shown in Teal) and a short/cropped cardigan with short sleeves (shown in Mint); the instructions can be interchanged for a custom long cardigan with short sleeves or short cardigan with long sleeves - four sweaters in one pattern!

Reminiscent of the graceful shapes created by the plants, the lace pattern is mirrored along the center line on the front and back panels. Melica can be worked with bracelet-length sleeves and a longer hip length or with short sleeves and a shorter waist length, and the pattern includes directions for both options.

The cardigan is knitted from the top down using simple raglan construction, which allows for further customization of the overall length and the length of the sleeves.

Finished Measurements
Bust (buttoned): 32 (36, 40¼, 43½, 47¾, 52)“
Length, Long Cardigan: 23 (23½, 24, 25½, 26, 26½)”
Length, Short Cardigan: 17½ (18, 18½, 19½, 20½, 20½)“
Shown in size 36”
Intended to be worn with about 0 – 2” negative ease.

Yarn
Long Cardigan: 5 (5, 6, 7, 7, 8) skeins Cloudborn Pima Cotton DK (231 yd / 212 m per 3.5 oz / 100 g skein;
100% Pima Cotton) in Teal
Short Cardigan: 3 (3, 4, 5, 5, 6) skeins Cloudborn Pima Cotton DK (231 yd / 212 m per 3.5 oz / 100 g skein;
100% Pima Cotton) in Mint

Gauge
22 sts and 28 rows = 4” / 10 cm in lace pattern using US 4 / 3.50mm needle, unblocked, relaxed.
To save time and to ensure accurate sizing, check gauge by
working swatch chart.

Needles
Size 4 US / 3.50 mm circular needle, 24–48” long, depending on bust size
Size 4 US / 3.50 mm needles in preferred style for small
circumference knitting in the round (for sleeves)
Size 2 US / 3.00 mm circular needle, 24” long (for neck ribbing)
Size 5 US / 3.75 mm needle (for front edges bind-off)
Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

Notions
Stitch markers (two different colors or types), waste yarn, tapestry needle.
Buttons 11/16” / 18mm:
Long Cardigan 11
Short Cardigan 9

Melica was originally published as an exclusive Craftsy/Bluprint Kit in June 2019.

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