The Daydreamer Cardigan is a relaxed, boxy open-front cardigan with dropped shoulders and an allover lace pattern worked from the neck down. The body is worked flat, the sleeves are picked up from the body and worked in the round in the same lace pattern, and a double-knitted button band is added at the end for a neat, sturdy finish that sits flat without rolling or pulling.

The cardigan is started at the back neck and increased to the full width of the back, with the increases over the lace pattern fully charted. Stitches are then picked up for the shoulders and worked as the front. The front and back are joined at the underarm and the body continues flat to the hem. The hem and cuffs are finished with a tubular bind off for clean, stretchy edges.

The cardigan is worked holding one strand of fingering weight yarn together with a cashmere silk lace weight; a combination that gives the fabric real warmth and a subtle sheen while keeping it light enough that the lace can breathe. My sample is knitted in Magpie Fibers Solo held together with Magpie Fibers Plume Lace. If you prefer a single yarn, the cardigan can also be worked in a single strand of DK weight yarn. For the lace to show its best, choose a solid or slightly tonal colorway.

The Daydreamer Cardigan comes in 12 sizes across two gauges. The recommended ease is 5–15 cm / 2–6 inches, but go slimmer with 0–5 cm or more oversized with 20–30 cm / 8–12 inches of ease. Body and sleeve length are easily modified, and I recommend trying it on as you go.

If you love this design, the Daydreamer pattern family also includes a tee, a pullover, and a matching skirt. Each one works just as well on its own as it does as part of a set.

Sizes
When choosing a size, measure your bust and add the intended ease, then choose the size that is closest to that measurement. You can also measure the bust circumference of your favorite sweater and choose a size that is closest to that.
1 (2, 3, 4) (5, 6)
Finished bust circumference with gauge A: 76 (91.5, 106.5, 122) (137, 152.5) cm / 30 (36, 42, 48) (54, 60) inches including the intended ease of 5–15 cm / 2–6 inches
Finished bust circumference with gauge B: 80 (96, 112, 128) (144, 160) cm / 31.5 (37.75, 44, 50.5) (56.75, 63.5) inches including the positive ease of 5–15 cm / 2–6 inches

Length from hem to underarm (adjustable): 31 (31, 31, 33) (33, 35) cm / 12.25 (12.25, 12.25, 13) (13, 13.75) inches
Sleeve length from cuff to underarm (adjustable): 42 cm / 16.5 inches
Upper arm circumference with gauge A: 30.5 (38, 38, 38) (45.5, 53.5) cm / 12 (15, 15, 15) (18, 21) inches
Upper arm circumference with gauge B: 32 (40, 40, 40) (48, 56) cm / 12.5 (15.75, 15.75, 15.75) (19, 22) inches
Note: Please be aware that adjusting the lengths of the garment will also affect the amount of yarn needed to finish the project.

Yarn requirements
Gauge A: 890 (980, 1090, 1210) (1340, 1480) m / 970 (1080, 1190, 1320) (1460, 1620) yards
Gauge B: 930 (1040, 1150, 1270) (1410, 1560) m / 1020 (1130, 1250, 1390) (1540, 1710) yards

If holding two strands together, you will need the listed amount of each yarn. If working in a single strand of DK weight, you will need the listed amount in total.

Sample: Magpie Fibers Solo Fingering (100% merino; 397 m / 434 yds per 115 g) held together with Magpie Fibers Plume Lace (75% cashmere, 25% silk; 288 m / 315 yds per 25 g), both in colorway Smoke On The Water.
Both gauges: 3 (3, 3, 4) (4, 4) skeins of Solo Fingering + 4 (4, 4, 5) (5, 6) skeins of Plume Lace

Needles

Ribbing: 3 mm / US 2.5
circular needles with a cable of 40 cm / 16 inches for the neck ribbing
DPNs or circular needles with a cable suitable for small circumference knitting for the cuffs
circular needles with a cable of at least 80 cm / 32 inches for the hem

Gauge A: 3.25 mm / US 3
DPNs or circular needles with a cable suitable for small circumference knitting for the sleeves
circular needles with a cable of at least 80 cm / 32 inches for the body

Gauge B: 3.5 mm / US 4
DPNs or circular needles with a cable suitable for small circumference knitting for the sleeves
circular needles with a cable of at least 80 cm / 32 inches for the body

Gauge
There are two alternative gauges for this design, depending on the finished bust circumference you are aiming for. Check the sizing information for more details on how the gauge affects the size of your cardigan.

Gauge A: 21 sts and 32 rounds = 10 cm / 4 inches of Main chart on larger needles, after blocking

Gauge B: 20 sts and 30 rounds = 10 cm / 4 inches of lace pattern on larger needles, after blocking

Note: Always use the needle size that gets you the right gauge!

Notions
stitch markers
locking markers
waste yarn
tapestry needle
blocking tools
6 buttons