THE BEACHY BREEZY CARDI
I am not a fan of the cold, Y’all. I prefer to spend my fall and winter holidays sunbathing on a beach. But even here in Florida, temperatures do very occasionally dip into the chilly/cold zones, especially before sunrise or after sunset on the beach. The Beachy Breezy Cardi is the solution to my Floridian fall and winter needs. This lightweight cardigan is light and breezy while still being snug and cozy. Try using Suri Alpaca or Mohair for a lighter than air and cloudlike cardi to snuggle up in all year long. The Beachy Breezy Cardi is also incredibly versatile. You can knit the body and sleeves to your preferred length so whether you’re looking for a cropped cardi with long and flowy sleeves or a hip length cardi with three-quarter sleeves, the Beachy Breezy Cardi has got you covered.

CONSTRUCTION
The Beachy Breezy Cardi is knit in 3 panels and then joined with 3 needle bind off at the shoulder and seamed along the sides. Stitches are picked up for sleeves and are knit in the round.

A FEW NOTES ON GAUGE AND SIZING
Every knitter has a different tension. I tend to knit a bit loosely so you may need to size up your needles. Always gauge swatch!!!

It is also recommended to BLOCK your gauge swatch so you know how much your finished item will grow. For example, if your gauge unblocked is 23 rows = 4” and after blocking is 19 rows = 4”, you can expect your finished cardi to be a few inches longer than the listed measurements in the chart. To achieve a cropped (or hip length) look, simply work fewer rows.

If you desire a hip length or longer cardi, please keep in mind measurements are based on bust. You may want to size up to have more wrap-around-coverage for your hips.

The Beachy Breezy Cardi is intended to have 8-10” of positive ease in the bust for a roomy, loose, and flowy fit. The upper arm circumference has a positive ease of 8” giving the sleeves a wide, flared, and drapey look. Choose a size that is 8-10” more than your bust to ensure the intended fit. Designer is wearing a size 4, is 5’10” tall and has a 41” bust.

Finished Garment Measurements:
Bust Measurement - 1, 2, 3 (4, 5, 6) 7, 8, 9
38”, 42”, 46” (50”, 54”, 58”) 62”, 66”, 70)

MATERIALS NEEDED
Size US 8 (4.5mm) needles or size needed to obtain gauge (please see notes about gauge)
Second set of needles of similar size for 3 needle bind off.
Scissors
Darning/Yarn needle
Stitch marker
Tape Measure
Scrap yarn or stitch holder

SUGGESTED YARN AND YARDAGE

Yardage estimates based on hip length cardigan with three quarter sleeves. If adding/subtracting sleeve length or body length, yardage will differ
611, 664, 726 (794, 864, 936)1003, 1099, 1150

Here is a link to a spreadsheet with tester yarn and yardage information to better help you plan for your yarn needs.

Tester Yardage and Measurement Spreadsheet