Lou

isaH

arding

Sixth&Spring Books233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013

www.sixthandspringbooks.com

KnittinghCrafts$24.95 US $31.95 CANADA

CraftshKnitting

CA

RD

IGA

NS C ARDIGA NS

L o u i s a H a r d i n g

Louisa HardingSince she was little girl, Louisa has made clothes.

She earned a BA in Textiles for Fashion, and took a

job at Rowan Yarns, who published two of her very

early designs in Rowan Magazine No. 6. She was

a designer for Rowan for 11 years. Since having

children, she has worked alongside her husband,

Stephen, a photographer. Together they created the

“Miss Bea” series of knitting books, inspired by

their children, Belle and Oscar.

In 2005 she introduced her own line of yarns and

pattern publications. She is thoroughly enjoying the

creative experience, playing with color, texture and

designing beautiful knitwear patterns.

Stephen JessupAs a child Stephen Jessup always loved photography.

As an adult he was encouraged to get a “proper job.”

A renewed enthusiasm for photography emerged

when his children were born and he picked up a

camera once more and his wife, Louisa, a knitwear

designer discovered that he had real talent. Since

2003 he has worked alongside Louisa, collaborating

on the photographs and visuals for the books

they have published together.

A fashion standby gets new life!Once relegated to the closet and confined towear-at-home attire, the cardigan sweater gets anew lease on life with more than 25 exquisitedesigns from Louisa Harding. This humble, yetpopular style is utterly transformed in Harding’scapable hands into a bold statement-piecethat’s feminine, elegant, romantic and especiallyversatile. Cardigans brings a host of optionsfor pattern designs, with chapters focusing onClassics, Edgings, Lace, Cable and Fair Islestitches and finally, Dressing Up.

What’s truly special about these designs is notonly their beauty, but their adaptability, asproved by Harding’s wonderful play on alterna-tive embellishments and stitches in each pattern.With the simple addition of a cable, button,ribbon, or change-up of yarn, a new design isborn. This creative vision gives knitters of allskill levels the confidence to create their ownknitted masterpieces.

Beautifully photographed against the backdropof some of the most romantic places onearth—from Venice to London to the beachesof Portugal and the south of France, Cardiganswill transport you and forever change the wayyou think about (and knit) the lowly, andlovely, cardigan.

C A R DIGA N SL o u i s a H a r d i n g

L o u i s a H a r d i n gis a knitwear designer whose fashions

have appeared in Vogue Knitting,

Rowan Knitting Magazine and Knitting

Magazine. She is the author of many

books, including Natural Knits for

Babies and Moms and Modern

Classics. Her line of yarns, which bears

her name, is distributed worldwide.

She lives in Yorkshire, England, with

her husband and two children.

Cardigans will change the way you think about this basic fashionstaple. In Louisa Harding’s designs, this humble cardigan is transformedwith grace and beauty into dozens of unique creations. Included here are

n more than 25 patterns, with variations on each pattern expanding

the collection to more than 40 unique designs—all with accompanying

photographs.

n easy-to-understand instructions and charts, with multiple sizes given

for each pattern

n reference guides for basic finishing techniques and yarn characteristics

n more than 50 full-color photographs.

With all these beautiful styles, colors and embellishments to choose from,you’ll never run out of inspiration for knitting this universal favorite.

Cover photography and author photoby Stephen Jessup

LouisaHardingCardis_coverjacket.FINAL.qxd:Layout 1 5/28/09 7:17 PM Page 1

Sixth&Spring Books233 Spring Street,

New York, NY 10013

Managing EditorWENDY WILLIAMS

Senior EditorMICHELLE BREDESON

Art DirectorDIANE LAMPHRON

Design Layout and PhotographySTEPHEN JESSUP

Vice President, PublisherTRISHA MALCOLM

Creative DirectorJOE VIOR

Production ManagerDAVID JOINNIDES

PresidentART JOINNIDES

Copyright © 2009 by Knitting Fever International Inc.All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means—graphic, electronic, or mechanical,

including photocopying, recording, or information storage-and-retrieval systems—without written permission of the publisher.The patterns in this book were first published by Knitting Fever International Inc.

The written instructions, photographs, designs, projects and patterns are intended for the personal, noncommercial use of the retail purchaser and are under federal copyright laws; they are not to be reproduced in any form for commercial use. Permission is granted to

photocopy patterns for the personal use of the retail purchaser.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2009928027

ISBN: 978-1-933027-88-3

Manufactured in China

1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2

First Edition

Cardigans

Louisa Harding

ContentsINTRODUCTION........6

Classics.......8Marguerite.......10

Willow.......14Sabrina.......20Gypsy.......24Sylph.......30Otello.......36

Marmee.......40

Edgings.......46Tide......48

Muse.......54Ginger......58

Fritillary.......62Augustine......68

Minnie.......74

Lace, Cables,Fair Isle.......80Silver.......82

Waterfall......88Masquerade.......94

Vertigo.....100Kitty.....106Alwar.......112

Dressing Up.......116Cecile......118

Orchis.......124Lacewing......128Antillean.......132

Viola.......136Contarini.......142

Sofia......148Bundi.......152

GENERAL INFORMATION.......156 ABBREVIATIONS......158

FINISHING TECHNIQUES......158YARN INFORMATION........159

YARN DISTRIBUTORS.......160ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.......162

6

INTRODUCTION

In this book you will find very few traditional button-up-the-front cardigans.“I have split the book into four chapters. Classics centers around patterns for the “classic” cardigan shapes (V-neck, crew neck, and collared), but all the patterns have a small twist—three-quarter-length sleeves to showcase that beautiful bracelet, flattering one-button fastenings, darted waist-shaping to enhance the female curve. All are simple and straightforward garments that would be useful additions to any wardrobe. The next chapter, Edgings, showcases cardigans that have interesting edging details, some knitted at the same time as the garment and some knitted in contrasting or complementary yarn and stitched on. All are simple to make but the finished result looks elegant and sophisticat-ed. Lace, Cables, Fair Isle—this chapter features cardigans with added surface patterning—lace, cables, or Fair Isle. The final chapter, Dressing Up, takes the sweater out on the town and shows that the cardigan is indeed the ideal garment when dressing up, whether for a party, special occasion, or just to spice up your favorite jeans and T-shirt combination. Here we set about to dispel the myth of the cardigan as solely the work-a-day staple, bringing it into the light for a fresh, new turn. The designs in this book have been taken from my yarn magazine collections. Each season I design my collections

around an inspiration point, a central theme, which helps me pinpoint the yarns I want to use and the color palette I want to create. Since the patterns were first published some of the yarns and shades have become discontinued and availability may be limited, please refer to page 160 for more information regarding the interchangeability of yarns from the ever evolving range of Louisa Harding Yarns.’You will find at the beginning of each pattern I explain the inspiration behind the design, the collection it has come from and the reason I wanted to include it in this compilation of cardigan patterns.Please have fun with the patterns! In some instances we have re-photographed the design using a totally different yarn to show how just a simple yarn change can totally alter the garment’s look. Do try to think outside of your preconceptions of this “knitted jacket that fastens up the front”. In the patterns I have shown distinctive fastening interpretations, button placements, or brooches in favor of buttons. Add femininity to your garment by adding ribbons to the neck or waist and tying them into a lovely flattering bow, or fasten only the buttons at the waist, enhancing your ladylike charms. I hope you enjoy this book and make the “humble” cardigan your friend. I think they are versatile, sexy and fun, and I truly am never without one.

While imagining this book, I started to think about how much I love the humble cardigan. My cardigan love affair started as a teenager. I remember taking one of my grandmother’s cast-offs—a black, machine-knitted number made from “courtelle.” I made that cardigan my own by customizing it with vintage jet buttons. I loved that humble cardigan and wore it constantly, dressing it up and down depending on my mood—with only a bra underneath to make it sexy and with a man’s shirt and belt to punk it up. I wore and wore it until it started to fall to pieces, and instead of wearing it out I wore it at home as my special “comfy cardi” when relaxing or feeling poorly.Today the hand-knitted cardigan bears little resemblance to my grandmother’s dictionary interpretation: “a long-sleeved knitted

jacket that fastens up the front”. Today the humble cardigan can take on many different looks, and in this book I have explored many interpretations of that same “knitted jacket that fastens up the front”. To me the image that springs to mind of the traditional cardigan is not a flattering picture, usually the cardigan is tightly fitted and knitted: very often in cream or another mundane color, with large cabled patterning; there are lots of buttons down the front, which are then securely fastened over an ample bosom and not worn by anyone under the age of 80. Not a flattering image or look for most women. As a curvy cardigan-wearing woman myself, I have come to realize that the cardigan needs to be a “freer” garment, one that will disguise our female flaws and enhance our charming assets.

Being a girl who is actually never without a cardigan, of course I was excited by the idea of a cardigan book.

7

8

9

Classic

The patterns here are all great examples of “classic” cardigan shapes. You will find patterns for V-neck, crew-neck and collared cardigans, however, all the patterns have a small twist—three-quarter length sleeves to ensure you

showcase that beautiful bracelet, flattering one-button fastenings, darted waist shaping. This chapter has simple and straightforward garments—all of them essential additions to any wardrobe. Classic does not have to be staid, so choose

a beautiful or interesting yarn to knit your cardigan in. Several of the patterns here exemplify how a change of yarn can completely transform the look of your garment. When you start with a classic and well-designed cardigan, you can make it your

own by your yarn choice and how you customize it by adding a brooch or a belt. Classic can be contemporary and sexy.

36

37

This simple little jacket is a classic go-anywhere piece. This design is taken from my collection Venezia, which we were lucky enough to photograph in Venice itself, rising very early in the morning to beat the crowds. This garment is photographed on the Rialto Bridge. I love the way the gray and white

marble’s coolness enhances the intensity of the blue yarn.

To fit dress size: 8 10 12 14 16 18 US10 12 14 16 18 20 UK38 40 42 44 46 48 EU

Actual size: Ease allowance approx 10 cm (4 in)91 97 103 107 112 118 cm36 38 40½ 42 44 46½ in

Finished length: 53.5 53.5 56 56 58.5 58.5 cm21 21 22 22 23 23 in

Sleeve Length: 35.5 35.5 38 38 40.5 40.5 cm14 14 15 15 16 16 in

YarnKnitted in bulky–weight yarn1st size photographed in Louisa Harding Ca’d’Oro sh. 7 Midnight 10 11 12 12 13 14 x 50g balls

NeedlesPair of 6 mm (US 10) knitting needlesPair of 7 mm (US 10 ½) knitting needles

Buttons6 large buttons

Tension/gauge13 sts x 17 rows to 10 cm (4 in) square measuredover st st using 7 mm (US 10 ½) knitting needles.

Otello

46

47

Edgings

Adding an edging to your garment takes your knitting skill to another level, mainly because it forces you toexperiment with design. While the patterns are very straightforward, the edgings dazzle, using lace or cable stitches and

contrasting or complementary yarns. So go ahead: take a simple cardigan pattern and mix and match the different edgings here. Finally, feel free to choose a completely different shade or yarn from the main body for a totally unique-to-you look.

54

55

This elegant little cardigan is simple in construction. I wanted to use the softest of yarns and opted for a lovely variegated angora. I highlighted one of the colors and used a ribbon yarn for the edgings, which are sewn on

once the garment is completed. Alternatively this design could be knitted using a single yarn in one color(for both body and edging) for a more uniform-looking garment.

To fit dress size:8 10 12 14 16 18 US10 12 14 16 18 20 UK38 40 42 44 46 48 EU

Actual size: Ease allowance approx 5 cm (2 in)86 90 97 103 106 110 cm34 35½ 38¼ 40½ 41¾ 43¼ in

Finished length:43 43 45.5 45.5 48.5 48.5 cm17 17 18 18 19 19 in

Sleeve Length:40.5 40.5 42 42 43 43 cm16 16 16½ 16½ 17 17 in

YarnKnitted in double knitting–weight yarn1st size photographed in Louisa Harding Kimono Angora and Kimono Ribbon PureA. Kimono Angora sh. 9 Pink Shell5 5 6 6 6 7 x 25g ballsB. Kimono Ribbon Pure sh. 1 Rice2 2 2 3 3 3 x 50g balls

NeedlesPair of 4 mm (US 6) knitting needlesPair of 5.5 mm (US 9) knitting needles

Button1 medium mother of pearl

Tension/gauge22 sts x 30 rows to 10cm (4 in) square measured overst st using 4 mm (US 6) knitting needles and yarn A

Muse

112

113

This design comes from my Rajasthan collection. I love the elegance of this allover lace cardigan and the unusual addition of clasps as front fastenings. So as not to disrupt the lace pattern, it is worked in one piece

up to the armholes and all the edgings are worked at the same time as the main body piece. The lace stitch is enhanced by the choice of a silk yarn, and the drape of the fabric is understated and sophisticated.

To fit dress size:8–10 12–14 16–18 US10–12 14–16 18–20 UK38–40 42–44 46–48 EU

Actual size: Ease allowance approx 6.5–10 cm (2½–4 in) 87.5 102.5 117 cm34½ 40½ 46 in

Finished length:54 54 54 cm21¼ 21¼ 21¼ in

Sleeve length: 44 44 44 cm17¼ 17¼ 17¼ in

YarnKnitted in double knitting–weight yarn1st size photographed in Louisa Harding Mulberry sh. 16 Teal9 10 11 x 50g balls

NeedlesPair of 3.25 mm (US 3) circular knitting needlesPair of 3.25 mm (US 3) knitting needlesPair of 4 mm (US 6) circular knitting needlesPair of 4 mm (US 6) knitting needles

NoteBecause of the large number of sts on the needles for back & fronts I suggest using pairs of circular needles.

Extras5 small clasps

Tension/gauge22 sts x 32 rows to 10cm (4in) square measured overlace pattern using 4 mm (US 6) knitting needles

alwar

116

117

Dressing Up

The aim of this chapter is to dispel the myth that the cardigan is nothing more than a core work-a-day staple of thewardrobe. When knitted in exciting yarns, embellished creatively, and worn with a bit of flair and creativity, the cardigan is the ideal garment to dress up. The patterns here were created with the exclusive purpose of spicing up the sweater—and the girl in it!

I’ve often said that as we women grow older we never lose sight of our inner “Barbie.” We just suppress it. I am hereby dusting off that tiara. Now go experiment with interesting yarn combinations, explore adding embroidery to your knitting, embellish

with something pretty, and, finally, release the creative inner you.

124

125

This very simple bolero is knitted using my Sari Ribbon yarn. It is very quick to knit, as the yarn is bulky weight. When I first saw the Sari Ribbon yarn, I was drawn to it like a magpie. The vibrant ribbon with the metallic corejust reminded me of Indian Saris that I had seen when visiting Rajasthan in India. I knew that I wanted to include

this yarn in my collection—it appealed to my inner girlyness, as I knew it would appeal to all women.

To fit dress size: 8 10 12 14 16 18 US10 12 14 16 18 20 UK38 40 42 44 46 48 EU

Actual size: Ease allowance approx 5 cm (2 in)87 90 97 103 107 110 cm34 ¼ 35 ½ 38 ¼ 40 ½ 42 43 ¼ in

Finished length:43 43 44 44 45 45 cm17 17 17¼ 17¼ 17¾ 17¾ in

Sleeve length:30 30 32 32 34 34 cm12 12 12½ 12½ 13½ 13½ in

YarnKnitted in bulky-weight yarn1st size photographed in Louisa Harding Sari Ribbon sh. 6 Silver Olive7 7 8 8 9 9 x 50g balls

NeedlesPair of 7 mm (US 10½) knitting needlesPair of 8 mm (US 11) knitting needlesPair of 7 mm (US 10½) circular needles

Tension/gauge12 sts x 16 rows to 10 cm (4 in) square measuredover st st using 8 mm (US 11) knitting needles.

orchis

Lou

isaH

arding

Sixth&Spring Books233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013

www.sixthandspringbooks.com

KnittinghCrafts$24.95 US $31.95 CANADA

CraftshKnitting

CA

RD

IGA

NS C ARDIGA NS

L o u i s a H a r d i n g

Louisa HardingSince she was little girl, Louisa has made clothes.

She earned a BA in Textiles for Fashion, and took a

job at Rowan Yarns, who published two of her very

early designs in Rowan Magazine No. 6. She was

a designer for Rowan for 11 years. Since having

children, she has worked alongside her husband,

Stephen, a photographer. Together they created the

“Miss Bea” series of knitting books, inspired by

their children, Belle and Oscar.

In 2005 she introduced her own line of yarns and

pattern publications. She is thoroughly enjoying the

creative experience, playing with color, texture and

designing beautiful knitwear patterns.

Stephen JessupAs a child Stephen Jessup always loved photography.

As an adult he was encouraged to get a “proper job.”

A renewed enthusiasm for photography emerged

when his children were born and he picked up a

camera once more and his wife, Louisa, a knitwear

designer discovered that he had real talent. Since

2003 he has worked alongside Louisa, collaborating

on the photographs and visuals for the books

they have published together.

A fashion standby gets new life!Once relegated to the closet and confined towear-at-home attire, the cardigan sweater gets anew lease on life with more than 25 exquisitedesigns from Louisa Harding. This humble, yetpopular style is utterly transformed in Harding’scapable hands into a bold statement-piecethat’s feminine, elegant, romantic and especiallyversatile. Cardigans brings a host of optionsfor pattern designs, with chapters focusing onClassics, Edgings, Lace, Cable and Fair Islestitches and finally, Dressing Up.

What’s truly special about these designs is notonly their beauty, but their adaptability, asproved by Harding’s wonderful play on alterna-tive embellishments and stitches in each pattern.With the simple addition of a cable, button,ribbon, or change-up of yarn, a new design isborn. This creative vision gives knitters of allskill levels the confidence to create their ownknitted masterpieces.

Beautifully photographed against the backdropof some of the most romantic places onearth—from Venice to London to the beachesof Portugal and the south of France, Cardiganswill transport you and forever change the wayyou think about (and knit) the lowly, andlovely, cardigan.

C A R DIGA N SL o u i s a H a r d i n g

L o u i s a H a r d i n gis a knitwear designer whose fashions

have appeared in Vogue Knitting,

Rowan Knitting Magazine and Knitting

Magazine. She is the author of many

books, including Natural Knits for

Babies and Moms and Modern

Classics. Her line of yarns, which bears

her name, is distributed worldwide.

She lives in Yorkshire, England, with

her husband and two children.

Cardigans will change the way you think about this basic fashionstaple. In Louisa Harding’s designs, this humble cardigan is transformedwith grace and beauty into dozens of unique creations. Included here are

n more than 25 patterns, with variations on each pattern expanding

the collection to more than 40 unique designs—all with accompanying

photographs.

n easy-to-understand instructions and charts, with multiple sizes given

for each pattern

n reference guides for basic finishing techniques and yarn characteristics

n more than 50 full-color photographs.

With all these beautiful styles, colors and embellishments to choose from,you’ll never run out of inspiration for knitting this universal favorite.

Cover photography and author photoby Stephen Jessup

LouisaHardingCardis_coverjacket.FINAL.qxd:Layout 1 5/28/09 7:17 PM Page 1