See video tutorial for how to knit the double knitted front edge plackets here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWnzbEpEKMw&t=2465s

See video tutorial for how to knit the I-cord tie strings here: https://youtu.be/t9Hyav6zQxk?si=XyQpzZNdGS0ClSsa&t=2540

The Picnic Cardigan is a light and versatile piece that can be layered over various outfits, making it a both chic and fun addition to any wardrobe. It features an open round neckline and delicate tie bands which add a playful and feminine twist to the design. I envisioned a cardigan that would add a touch of whimsy to my outfit that would be comfortable and easy to style with both a Summer dress or plain jeans & t-shirt combo.

The Picnic Cardigan has a regular fit with long sleeves and twisted rib details around the hem and cuffs. The cardigan is worked flat from top down, and features German Short Row shaping for the sleeves. The fronts are finished with double knitted edges and the collar is worked as a tunnel for the drawstring I-cord. The I-cord tie bands are knitted last separarelty and attached to the cardigan.

Sizes:
XXS (XS, S, M) (L, XL, 2XL) (3XL, 4XL, 5XL)

Finished garment measurements:
Bust circumference excluding front edge plackets: 80 (84, 92, 96) (108, 120, 128) (138, 148, 158) cm / 31.5 (33, 36.25, 37.75) (42.5, 47.25, 50.5) (54.25, 58.25, 62.25)”.
Bust circumference including front edge plackets: 84 (88, 100, 104) (112, 124, 132) (142, 152, 162) cm / 33 (34.75, 39.25, 41) (44, 48.75, 52) (55.75, 59.75, 63.75)”.
Length from underarm to hem: 32 (33, 34, 34) (35, 35, 35) (36, 36, 37) cm / 12.75 (13, 13.5, 13.5) (14, 14, 14) (14.25, 14.25, 14.75)” or, desired length.
Sleeve length from underarm to hem: 58 cm / 22.75” all sizes.
Upper sleeve circumference: 41 (41, 44, 46) (47, 48, 49) (51, 53, 55) cm / 16 (16, 17.25, 18) (18.5, 18.75, 19.25) (20, 20.75, 21.75)”.
Cuff circumference: 22.5 (22.5, 24.5, 27.5) (28, 28, 29) (30, 32.5, 32.5) cm / 8.75 (8.75, 9.75, 10.75) (11, 11, 11.5) (11.75, 12.75, 12.75)”.

The Picnic Cardigan is designed to have about 5 -10 cm / 2-4” of positive ease for a regular fit.

Blue sample knit in size S, Kika has a bust of approx. 87 cm / 34”.

Gauge:
20 sts x 30 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4” in Stockinette st flat on 4 mm needles, after blocking.
22 sts x 34 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4” in k1 tbl, p1 rib flat on 3 mm / US 2.5 needles, after blocking.

Needles: (note: same info as in table)
3 mm / US2.5: circular needles 80-100 cm / 32-40” for rib hem and double knitted front edge plackets, and DPNs for sleeve rib cuffs, I-cords and optional use for front edge plackets.
4 mm / US6: circular needles 80-100 cm / 32-40” for body, and circular needles 40 cm / 16” for sleeves or DPNs (or use Magic Loop technique).

Notions:
Removable stitch markers, tapestry needle, stitch holder or scrap yarn, safety pin to thread the I-cord into the collar tunnel at the end.

Suggested yarn:
The cardigan can be knitted with one strand of Sport or DK weight yarn, or by holding one strand of fingering weight yarn together with one strand of laceor fingering weight yarn.
You will need approx.
1100 (1150, 1250, 1350) (1400, 1500, 1650) (1750, 1900, 2000) m / 1200 (1260, 1370, 1480) (1530, 1640, 1800) (1910, 2080, 2190) yds of DK or Sport weight yarn
or
1100 (1150, 1250, 1350) (1400, 1500, 1650) (1750, 1900, 2000) m / 1200 (1260, 1370, 1480) (1530, 1640, 1800) (1910, 2080, 2190) yds of each fingering and/ or lace weight yarn.

Sample knitted with yarns:
Blue sample:
215 (225, 250, 265) (275, 300 325) (350, 375, 400) g of Knitting For Olive Merino (100% merino wool - 250 m / 273 yds / 50 g) in color Poppy Blue
together with
120 (125, 140, 145) (155, 165, 180) (195, 210, 220) g of Knitting For Olive Silk Mohair (70% mohair, 30% silk - 225 m / 246 yds / 25 g) in color Poppy Blue.

The blue sample is worked holding one strand of merino and one strand of silk mohair together.

Gray sample:
235 (250, 270, 300) (320, 350, 375) (400, 415, 425) g of Sandnes Garn Sunday (100% merino wool - 235 m / 260 yds / 50 g) in color 1042
together with
130 (140, 150, 165) (175, 195, 210) (220, 230, 235) g of Isager Silk Mohair (75% kid mohair, 25% silk - 212 m / 230 yds / 25 g) in color 2 S.

The gray sample is worked holding one strand of merino and one strand of silk mohair together.