Lou Cardigan

The **Lou Cardigan** is a timeless, bottom-up hand-knitted piece designed with a relaxed fit, clean drop-shoulder silhouette, and structured 1x1 ribbing. Featuring a contrasting cuff detail, edge-to-edge button placket, and a neat neckband, this versatile cardigan is worked in separate flat panels—Back, Left Front, Right Front, and Sleeves—before being seamed together using Mattress Stitch. **SIZING & MEASUREMENTS** Size: **Free Size** (designed for an **oversized**, comfortable fit) Finished Bust / Pit-to-Pit: 69 cm (~27.2 in) flat / 138 cm (~54.3 in) total circumference Total Length: 52 cm (~20.5 in) measured from shoulder to bottom edge Sleeve Length: 45 cm (~17.7 in) measured from cuff to underarm **GAUGE** 18 sts × 22 rows = 10 cm × 10 cm (4 in × 4 in) in Stockinette Stitch using 5.5mm main needles, measured after wet blocking. Note: Taking time to check your gauge is essential to ensure the correct finished dimensions and yarn consumption. Adjust needle size if needed to achieve gauge. **YARN REQUIREMENTS** Main Colour (MC / Colour A): Aran weight yarn (~100 m / 109 yds per 50g ball) Quantity: 10 balls / approx. 500g (1,000 m / 1,090 yds) Contrast Colour (CC / Colour B): Aran weight yarn (~100 m / 109 yds per 50g ball) Quantity: 1 ball / approx. 50g (100 m / 109 yds) Yarn Note: Quantities are estimates. Please buy sufficient yarn upfront to ensure all skeins match in dye lot. **NEEDLES & NOTIONS** **4.75mm (or 5.0mm)** straight or circular needles (for bottom hem, cuffs, plackets, and neckband) **5.5mm** straight or circular needles (for main body panels and sleeves) 4.75mm (or 5.0mm) circular needles (at least 80 cm / 32 in cable for picking up neckband sts) Tapestry needle for seaming (Mattress Stitch) and weaving in ends Stitch markers and stitch holders (or waste yarn) 6 Buttons: 5 for the front placket, 1 for the neckband (~20–22 mm size)