This cardigan has been knitted 5 years ago! It was supposed to be published straight away; but then Covid came, life happened… and so it has been waiting patiently (despite being worn a lot!) to become a pattern.
I am enormously thankful to The Fibre Co. for their yarn support and their knidness with me, and also to the testers who helped me to improve the pattern.

Zhuzi is worked top down flat. Back and front parts are first worked separately and then joined at the underarm. Back starts with the provisional cast-on for the back neckline, which is worked sideways; stitches are then picked up along the neckline edge and additional shoulders stitches are casted on to work the back. Front is worked picking up stitches from the back shoulders upper edge and from neckline live stitches. The cardigan features set-in sleeves. Bottom and sleeves edges are finished with I-cord Bind-Off.
The graphic stitch pattern recalling bamboo leaves (Zhuzi means Bamboo in Mandarin Chinese) used in Zhuzi enhances its modern and minimalist cut and emphasizes the feminine silhouette without renouncing to comfort and wearability.

Size: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9), corresponding to:
Cross back shoulder: 12.5 (12.5, 14.25, 14.25, 16, 16, 16, 18, 18)” / 31.5 (31.5, 36, 36, 40, 40, 40, 44.5, 44.5) cm
Finished bust size (measured with cardigan flat): 34.25 (37.75, 41, 44.5, 48, 51.5, 54.75, 58.25, 61.5)“ / 87 (95.5, 104.5, 113, 121.5, 130.5, 140, 148, 156.5) cm
Approx. 2-4” / 5-10 cm positive ease recommended at bust.
Shown in size 2 with approx. 3” / 7.5 cm positive ease.
Gauge: 23 sts and 31 rows = 4” / 10 cm in Zhuzi stitch pattern with larger needles, after wet blocking.
23 sts and 27 rows = 4” / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch with larger needles, after wet blocking.

Materials
Yarn (estimated quantities): Sport or light DK weight yarn in the following quantities: 1050 (1200, 1255, 1355, 1435, 1670, 1785, 1975, 2100) m / 1150 (1315, 1375, 1480, 1570, 1830, 1950, 2160, 2300) yds
Yarn used in the sample: The Fibre Co. Arranmore Light, 80% Merino wool, 10% cashmere, 10% silk; 300 m (328 yds)/ 100 gr; color: Ailis.
Needles: US size 5 (3.75 mm) and size 4 (3.5 mm): 24” / 60 cm or longer circular for body; US size 5 (3.75 mm): DPNs or 40” / 100 cm circular for sleeves.
Notions: Size F (3.75 mm) hook; removable markers; waste yarn or stitches holders; tapestry needle.