Semilla | Seed Stitch and Eyelet Cardigan
Design Information
The Semilla Cardigan is a bottom-up, seamed v-neck cardigan featuring an all over seed stitch and eyelet lace pattern. It features classic 1x1 ribbing at the hems and button band and a modern, updated crop length. The Semilla Cardigan is worked flat, back and forth in rows from the hem to the shoulders. The drop shoulders are shaped to ensure the drop shoulder seam lands in a similar spot across the size range. The v-neck shaping is super flattering and a little flirty, but not revealing.
Once the cardigan pieces are completed and blocked, stitches are picked up around the neckline to work the 1x1 ribbed buttonband and button holes. The Fronts are slightly wider than the Back when the buttonband is added to help prevent any gaping issues at the chest.
The sample is knit with Brooklyn Tweed Loft, a 100% woolen-spun fingering weight wool that is perfect for winter layering. Wear this as an on-trend top with a pair of chic trousers for your holiday office party, or wear it as a cozy layer at home with shearling slippers and comfy joggers. However you wear it, the Semilla Cardigan will be a delightful addition to your everyday handmade wardrobe.
Please share your progress on Instagram by tagging me @kirstenjoel_designs and using the hashtag #semillacardigan. I love to see all of your works in progress and finished projects!
Finished Measurements
Sizes (1, 2, 3) [4, 5, 6] (7, 8, 9) [10, 11, 12] with Finished Chest Measurements (35 ½, 39 ½, 43 ½) [47 ½, 51 ½, 55 ½] (59 ½, 63 ½, 67 ½) [71 ½, 75 ½, 79 ½]” sized for (26, 30, 34) [38, 42, 46] (50, 54, 58) [62, 66, 70]” actual chest; designed to fit with 7-9” positive ease. Sample shown is size 3, worn on 34” chest with 9” positive ease
Cup Shaping
Semilla includes instructions for optional Cup Shaping that is created using short rows. These short rows add additional length of fabric for the front chest to allow room for breasts.
The sample as shown is Size 3, with no cup shaping.
To choose a cup size, measure the length from the top of your shoulder to under your breast for your front and your back. A helpful measuring point is where your bra band rests.
Subtract the back length from the front length and subtract an additional 2” / 5 cm. Choose a cup size based on your result. If your result is:
Less than 1”; omit the short rows
1 ½ - 2 ½”; work Cup 1 - adds 1 ¼”
2 ½ - 3 ½”; work Cup 2 - adds 2 ½”
3 ½” - 4 ¾””; work Cup 3 - adds 3 ½”
More than 4 ¾”; work Cup 4 - adds 4 ¾”
Yarn
Substitution notes: Look for a 100% woolenspun wool for a look closest to the sample. Semilla looks great in rustic fingering weight wools and gentle tonal colorways.
Brooklyn Tweed Loft - Fingering weight; 100% Targhee-Columbia Woolen-spun wool; 275 yards / 50g; (4, 5, 5) [5, 6, 6] (6, 7, 7) [7, 8, 8] skeins, photographed in Iceberg
Or ~ (1068, 1144, 1235) [1326, 1408, 1498] (1600, 1694, 1784) [1886, 1992, 2094] yards of a fingering weight 100% woolen-spun wool yarn
Yardage
Body & Sleeves
(1068, 1144, 1235) [1326, 1408, 1498] (1600, 1694, 1784) [1886, 1992, 2094] yards
Cup Shaping
Cup 1: (13, 15, 17) [19, 20, 22] (25, 27, 29) [31, 32, 34] yards
Cup 2: (27, 30, 34) [37, 41, 45] (50, 53, 58) [62, 65, 69] yards
Cup 3: (40, 46, 51) [56, 61, 67] (75, 80, 86) [92, 97, 103] yards
Cup 4: (53, 61, 68) [74, 82, 90] (100, 106, 115) [123, 130, 137] yards
Buttonband
Cup 1: (68. 69, 70) [71, 72, 73] (73, 74, 75) [76, 77, 78]
Cup 2: (72, 73, 74) [75, 76, 77] (78, 78, 79) [80, 81, 82]
Cup 3: (76, 77, 78) [78, 79, 80] (81, 82, 83) [84, 84, 85]
Cup 4: (80, 81, 82) [83. 84, 84] (85, 86, 87) [88, 89, 90]
Gauge
21 sts and 34 rows = 4” over Seed Stitch and Eyelet Pattern with gauge needles, blocked
Needles
US 4 / 3.5 mm 24” circular needles, or size to obtain gauge
US 3 / 3.25 mm, or one size smaller than gauge needles, 24” circular needles for hem ribbing & neckband
Optional: Spare US 3 / 3.25 mm, or one size smaller than gauge needles, 24” circular needles for tubular cast on.
Tools
Locking stitch markers, waste yarn, tapestry needle, blocking wires, blocking pins
Buttons: ½” to ¾” diameter buttons (button placement assumes 1 ¾” spacing)
5 (5, 6, 7, 7) buttons for Cups 0 (1, 2, 3, 4)