Directional diamond motifs yearn upwards in this elegantly elongated cardigan. The contemporary, relaxed fit and simple design make for a polished but unassuming cover-up to keep stargazers warm as well as stylish as the day turns to night.

Worked flat and bottom-up, the split hem provides for extra length at the back. Dolman shaping and modified drop shoulders with narrow sleeves eliminate extra bulk at the underarm, with guidance to customize the sleeve width. Extra wide fronts and plenty of additional ease accommodate many body shapes.

Paxton Shell is featured in the eBook, La Belle Epoque: Knits for Home and Abroad. Knit garments worthy of an art museum with five size-inclusive patterns from designer Holli Yeoh. Drawing inspiration from art, architecture, and more, Holli created a gorgeous capsule collection of garments that can be mixed and matched, perfect for a travel wardrobe. La Belle Epoque includes two shells and three cardigans using lighter weight yarns that range from fingering weight to DK.

#sizeinclusive from 42.25”/107.5cm to 78.75”/200cm finished chest measurement.

This knitting pattern includes written directions, both charts and written instructions, notes on gauge and gravity, modification notes, sizing and fit notes, front and back images and a schematic with measurements.

Finished Measurements
Finished chest circumference: 42 ¼ (44 ¼, 45 ¾, 46 ¾, 48 ¾)(49 ¾, 54 ¾, 59 ¼, 61 ¾)(67 ¼, 69 ¼, 71 ¾, 78 ¼, 78 ¾)“ / 107.5 (112.5, 116, 118.5, 124)(126.5, 139, 150.5, 157)(171, 176, 182, 199, 200) cm.
Back length: 33 (33, 33 ½, 34, 34 ½)(35 ½, 36, 36 ½, 37)(37, 37, 37 ½, 37 ½, 37 ½)” / 84 (84, 85, 86.5, 87.5)(90, 91.5, 92.5, 94)(94, 94, 95.5, 95.5, 95.5) cm.
Designed to be worn with 10–12” (25-30 cm) positive ease in full chest and 4–10” (10-25 cm) positive ease in hip. Sample is 45.75” (116 cm); model is 35” (89 cm).

Yarn
Sport weight wool blend;
1575 (1630, 1690, 1765, 1850)(1985, 2160, 2305, 2410)(2550, 2655, 2890, 3055, 3140) yd / 1440 (1490, 1545, 1610, 1690)(1815, 1975, 2110, 2205)(2335, 2425, 2640, 2795, 2870) m.

Shown in Knit Picks Galileo (affiliate)(sport weight, 50% Merino Wool, 50% Viscose from bamboo; 131 yards/50g): Calliope 27893, 12 (13, 13, 14, 14)(16, 17, 18, 19)(20, 21, 22, 24, 24) balls.

Substitution Notes
Choose a sport weight yarn with drape; superwash wool, viscose/rayon blends, silk blends. The original is a merino/viscose blend that works up to 6 sts per inch/2.5cm on 3.25mm-3.75mm (US3-5) needles. Note the heavier the yarn, the more gravity will play a role in the row gauge. Be sure to swatch accordingly and read the special notes on gauge in the pattern.

Needles + Notions
3.5mm (US 4) straight or circular needles (24”/60cm or longer), or size to obtain gauge;
3.25mm (US 3) circular needles for working flat (24”/60cm or longer), or one size smaller than size used to obtain gauge;
Yarn Needle;
2 Stitch Markers;
8 Locking Stitch Markers;
Stitch Holders or Scrap Yarn.

Gauge
23 sts and 29 rows = 4”/10cm in Stockinette Stitch using larger needles, blocked.

When worn, the weight of the long cardigan affects the overall gauge. The gauge used in the design was based on a large swatch that was blocked flat, then hung for 48 hours with a little weight along the bottom edge. Final gauge was measured after 24 hours of rest on a flat surface after it was hung. This seems extreme but know that the gauge of your finished project will be affected by gravity. It’s recommended that your gauge swatch also follows a similar rigorous procedure.

Sizing + Fit Notes
The pattern offers generous shaping for a comfortable and flowing fit. It drapes away from the body to create movement. The intended amount of positive ease may not be ideal for all bodies. For folks with shorter and rounder physiques, less ease is suggested so they are not engulfed by the cardigan; as little as 4”/10cm positive ease may achieve a similar silhouette.
Sizing for the five smaller sizes is based on a 2”/5cm difference between full chest and upper chest. Upper chest is the measurement around the torso with the measuring tape at the underarm level.
For the 6th to 11th sizes there’s a 4”/10cm difference between full and upper chest.
For the three largest sizes there’s a 6”/15cm difference between full and upper chest. This may be a little different than other patterns and reflects measurements of contemporary real-life bodies. In garment design, a 2/4/6” (5/10/15 cm) difference between full and upper chest is referred to as a B/D/F cup respectively, which differ from bra cup sizes.

Choose your size based on the desired amount of positive ease for the chest and hips. Refer to Modification Notes to adjust the sleeve circumference, if desired.

Techniques
Increases/decreases, short rows, modified three needle bind off (instructions included), slipped stitch selvedge, working simple lace from chart or written instructions, working two sets of shaping instructions at the same time, basic sweater construction, seamed, worked flat.

Helpful Links
Raised Increases photo tutorial
Raised Increases video tutorial.
SSK & SSP Decreases video tutorial.
Japanese Short Rows video tutorial.

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