“LOU cardigan is a relaxed take on the classic striped cardigan.
Contrast stripes, delicate buttons and raw edges give the design a simple, feminine look with a touch of coolness”

SKILL LEVEL
2 / 5 · Advanced beginner
You should be able to knit and purl and have some experience with increases, decreases and following a pattern. In LOU, you work raglan and neckline increases at the same time, knit stripes, and pick up stitches for the neckband and front bands. The sleeves are worked in the round with decreases. The Icelandic bind-off is illustrated with photos in the pattern.

CONSTRUCTION
Top down

SIZES: 1 (2) 3 (4) 5

FINISHED BUST CIRCUMFERENCE: 105(109)116(122)128 cm / 41¼(43)45¾(48)50½ inches
LENGTH: 51(53)55(57)59 cm / 20(20¾)21¾(22½)23¼ inches, measured vertically from the highest point of the shoulder.
UPPER SLEEVE CIRCUMFERENCE: 39(40)42(43)43.5 cm / 15¼(15¾)16½(17)17¼ inches

CHOOSING A SIZE
Choose a size to suit your preferred fit. The measurements given are the finished measurements of the cardigan. Measure a cardigan whose fit you like and compare its bust circumference, upper sleeve circumference and length with the measurements in this pattern. You can also compare the finished bust circumference with your own bust measurement and decide how much extra room you would like.
The length of LOU is easy to adjust. Choose a larger size for a roomier fit and work a shorter body, or choose a smaller size for a closer fit and work a longer body. Adjust the length in the solid-color section after the last stripe. The front band stitch count adjusts automatically when you follow the pick-up instructions, and the buttonholes align with the stripes. You therefore do not need to calculate a new total stitch count for the front bands or change the buttonhole placement.

YARN
Main color: 400(450)450(500)500 g Håndværksgarn by Hjelholts Uldspinderi, color 23, 100% wool (200 m / 219 yards per 100 g).
Contrast color: 100(100)100(100)100 g Håndværksgarn by Hjelholts Uldspinderi, color 04, 100% wool (200 m / 219 yards per 100 g).
Yarn quantities are approximate and include yarn for one swatch measuring approximately 15 × 15 cm / 6 × 6 inches. Quantities are rounded up to the nearest 50 g. The yarn is sold in 100 g skeins, so round up to whole skeins when buying yarn. Using a different yarn or changing the cardigan’s length may affect the amount needed.

NOTIONS
8(8)8(9)9 buttons, 15–18 mm / approximately ⅝–¾ inch, depending on whether you choose shank buttons or sew-through buttons.
8 stitch markers to place on the needle.
2 stitch holder cords.

RECOMMENDED NEEDLES
4 mm / US 6 circular needle, 80 cm / 32 inches long
5 mm / US 8 circular needle, 80 cm / 32 inches long
Optional: 5 mm / US 8 double-pointed needles for the sleeves if you are not using the Magic Loop technique.

GAUGE
17 stitches and 24 rows in stockinette stitch on 5 mm / US 8 needles = 10 × 10 cm / 4 × 4 inches, measured after washing and drying.
Needle sizes are a guide. Gauge varies from knitter to knitter, even with the same yarn and needles. LOU was knitted on 5 mm / US 8 needles, but you may need to use, for example, 4.5 mm / US 7 needles to achieve 17 stitches per 10 cm / 4 inches. Always knit a swatch, wash it and allow it to dry before measuring. Choose the needle size that gives the gauge specified in this pattern.

ABOUT THE DESIGN
LOU is worked from the top down. The yoke and body are worked back and forth on a circular needle, while the sleeves are worked in the round.
First, stitches are cast on for the back, sleeves, four pairs of raglan stitches and 1 edge stitch at each side. The yoke is shaped with raglan increases while increases are also worked to shape the front neckline. Stitches are then cast on at each side for the horizontal sections of the front neckline.
The stripe pattern begins on the yoke. In the lower part of the yoke, raglan increases are worked at different intervals for the body and sleeves. At the separation, the sleeve stitches are placed on hold and new stitches are cast on at each underarm. The body is then worked to the desired length.
The sleeves are worked in the round over the held stitches and stitches picked up along the underarm cast-on edges. Decreases shape the underside of each sleeve.
The body and sleeves are finished without ribbing, using an Icelandic bind-off to create a stable edge. Finally, stitches are picked up for the neckband and front bands. Buttonholes are worked in the right front band, aligned with the contrast stripes.