INTRODUCTION

Curio

by Rachel Brockman

Luxe, lightweight, and lacey – the Curio cardigan is bound to keep you feeling warm and sunny on even the dreariest winter days. It's an indulgent piece – a real treat to knit and to wear.

Worked in 100% cashmere, the hem consists of twisted ribbing that transitions into smoothly into the diamond motif that is featured throughout the body.

The sleeves are given the same attention, with just a touch of lace adorning the cuffs.

model: Kirsta McCoy

photos: Rachel Brockman

SIZE

XS[S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X]
shown in size Small with 2.25 inches/5.5 cm of ease with cardigan buttoned

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Finished Bust (buttoned): 34[37.25, 40.5, 44, 47.25, 50.5, 53.75, 57, 60.25, 63.5] inches / 86.5[94.5, 103, 112, 120, 128.5, 136.5, 145, 153, 161.5] cm
Length: 16.5[17, 17.5, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22.5] inches / 42[43, 44.5, 47, 48.5, 49.5, 52, 53.5, 54.5, 57] cm

MATERIALS

Yarn
Fibra Natura Cashmere Lusso [50% virgin cashmere, 50% recycled cashmere; 246 yds/225 m per 50g]; Color 10244 Ginestra – 4[4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8] skeins

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]
US #4/3.5mm needles for working flat – a long circular is easiest
US #4/3.5mm needles for small circumferences in the round
US #5/3.75mm needles for working flat – a long circular is easiest
US #5/3.75mm needles for working small circumferences in the round

Notions
stitch markers
yarn needle
stitch holder or waste yarn
8[8, 8, 9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10, 11] three-quarter inch/2cm buttons (buttons shown are the Kaleidoscope buttons from Katrinkles)

GAUGE

22 sts/32 rows and rnds = 4 inches/10cm in Stockinette Stitch with larger needles
Please check your gauge for both knitting flat and knitting in the round, and adjust needle size if required to ensure the body and the sleeves match.

PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]

This cardigan is worked seamlessly from the bottom up. The sleeves are worked first in the round from and set aside while the body is worked flat. The sleeves and body are then joined at the underarm, where raglan shaping begins. After raglan shaping is complete, the body stitches are placed on a holder while the button bands are worked. The button bands are picked up along the front opening and worked flat. Finally, the neckband is worked by picking up stitches along the top of the button bands and working the held body stitches.

CDD: Slip 2 sts together (as if for k2tog), k1 and pass 2 slipped sts over st just knit. 2 sts decreased.

1 Row Buttonhole (worked over 3 sts):
Bring yarn to front and sl 1 st purlwise. Place yarn at back. *Slip next st to right needle, pass the first slipped stitch over; rep from *3 times. Turn work. With yarn in back, CO 4 sts using the Cable Cast-on method, turn work. Slip the first stitch from the left needle to the right needle, pass the 4th cast on stitch over – 1 buttonhole.

Lifted Knot Stitch (LKS):
Insert tip of right needle into the 3rd st on the left needle; left it up and over the first 2 sts on the left needle and let it drop; k1, yo, k1.

K1, P1 Twisted Rib:
(even number of sts, worked in the rnd)
All rounds: [K1 tbl, p1] around.

K1, P1 Twisted Rib (odd number of sts, worked flat):
Row 1 [RS]: K1 tbl, *p1, k1 tbl; rep from * to end.
Row 2 [WS]: *P1 tbl, k1; rep from * to last st, p1 tbl.

CHARTS

Diamonds Pattern:
Work from chart or written instructions as you prefer

(Multiple of 18 sts, plus 1)
Row 1 [RS]: *K1, (yo, k2tog) 3 times, k5, (ssk, yo) 3 times; rep from * to last st, k1.
WS Rows 2-32: Purl.
Row 3: *K1, (k2tog, yo) 3 times, k1, LKS, k1, (yo, ssk) 3 times; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 5: *K1, (yo, ssk) 3 times, k5, (k2tog, yo) 3 times; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 7: *K2, (yo, ssk) 3 times, LKS, (k2tog, yo) 3 times, k1; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 9: *K3, (yo, ssk) 3 times, k1, (k2tog, yo) 3 times, k2; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 11: *K4, (yo, ssk) twice, yo, CDD, (yo, k2tog) twice, yo, k3; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 13: *K5, yo, ssk, k1, yo, CDD, yo, k1, k2tog, yo, k4; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 15: *K6, yo, ssk, yo, CDD, yo, k2tog, yo, k5; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 17: *K7, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k6; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 19: *K8, yo, CDD, yo, k7; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 21: *K7, yo, k2tog, k1, ssk, yo, k6; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 23: *K6, yo, k2tog, yo, CDD, yo, ssk, yo, k5; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 25: *K5, yo, k2tog, k1, yo, CDD, yo, k1, ssk, yo, k4; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 27: *K4, (yo, k2tog) twice, yo, CDD, (yo, ssk) twice, yo, k3; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 29: *K3, (yo, k2tog) 3 times, k1, (ssk, yo) 3 times, k2; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 31: *K2, (yo, k2tog) 3 times, LKS, (ssk, yo) 3 times, k1; rep from * to last st, k1.

Hem Lace (Multiple of 18 sts, plus 1):
Row 1 [RS]: *(K1 tbl, p1) 4 times, yo, CDD, yo, (p1, k1 tbl) 3 times, p1; rep from * to last st, k1 tbl.
Row 2 [WS]: P1 tbl, *(k1, p1 tbl) 3 times, k1, p3, (k1, p1 tbl) 4 times; rep from * to end.
Row 3: *(K1 tbl, p1) 3 times, k1 tbl, yo, k2tog, k1, ssk, yo, (k1 tbl, p1) 3 times; rep from * to last st, k1 tbl.
Row 4: P1 tbl, *(k1, p1 tbl) 3 times, p5, (p1 tbl, k1) 3 times, p1 tbl; rep from * to end.
Row 5: *(K1 tbl, p1) 3 times, yo, k2tog, yo, CDD, yo, ssk, yo, (p1, k1 tbl) twice, p1; rep from * to last st, k1 tbl.
Row 6: P1 tbl, *(k1, p1 tbl) twice, k1, p7, (k1, p1 tbl) 3 times; rep from * to end.
Row 7: *(K1 tbl, p1) twice, k1 tbl, yo, k2tog, k1, yo, CDD, yo, k1, ssk, yo, (k1 tbl, p1) twice; rep from * to last st, k1 tbl.
Row 8: P1 tbl, ((k1, p1 tbl) twice, p9, (p1 tbl, k1) twice, p1 tbl; rep from * to end.
Row 9: *(K1 tbl, p1) twice, (yo, k2tog) twice, yo, CDD, (yo, ssk) twice, yo, p1, k1 tbl, p1; rep from * to last st, k1 tbl.
Row 10: P1 tbl, *k1, p1 tbl, k1, p11, (k1, p1 tbl) twice; rep from * to end.
Row 11: *K1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl, (yo, k2tog) 3 times, k1, (ssk, yo) 3 times, k1 tbl, p1; rep from * to last st, k1 tbl.
Row 12: P1 tbl, *k1, p1 tbl, p13, p1 tbl, k1, p1 tbl; rep from * to end.
Row 13: *K1 tbl, p1, (yo, k2tog) 3 times, LKS, (ssk, yo) 3 times, p1; rep from * to last st, k1 tbl.
Row 14: P1 tbl, *k1, p15, k1, p1 tbl; rep from * to end.

Sleeve Cuff (Multiple of 10 sts, worked in the round):
Rnds 1-2: *K1 tbl, p1; rep from * to end.
Rnd 3: *Yo, ssk, (k1 tbl, p1) twice, k1 tbl, k2tog, yo, k1; rep from * to end.
Rnd 4: *K2, (k1 tbl, p1) twice, k1 tbl, k3; rep from * to end.
Rnd 5: *K1, yo, ssk, p1, k1 tbl, p1, k2tog, yo, k2; rep from * to end.
Rnd 6: *K3, p1, k1 tbl, p1, k4; rep from * to end.
Rnd 7: *K2, yo, ssk, k1 tbl, k2tog, yo, k3; rep from * to end.
Rnd 8: *K4, k1 tbl, k5; rep from * to end.
Rnd 9: *K3, yo, CDD, yo, k4; rep from * to end.
Rnd 10: Knit.
Rnd 11: *K3, LKS, k4; rep from * to end.
Rnd 12: Knit.

Right Panel (panel of 8 sts):
Row 1 [RS]: K1, p2, k3, p2.
Row 2 [WS]: K2, p3, k2, p1.
Row 3: K1, p2, LKS, p2.
Row 4: Rep Row 2.

Left Panel (panel of 8 sts):
Row 1 [RS]: P2, k3, p2, k1.
Row 2 [WS]: P1, k2, p3, k2.
Row 3: P2, LKS, p2, k1.
Row 4: Rep Row 2.

DIRECTIONS

Sleeves

Cuff
With smaller needles for small circumference in the round, CO 50[50, 50, 60, 60, 60, 70, 70, 70, 70] sts. Distribute sts across needles as you prefer and join for working in the round.

Work in K1, P1 Twisted Rib until piece measures .5 inches / 1.5 cm from cast-on edge. Change to larger needles.

Cuff pattern round: Work Sleeve Cuff pattern around.
Work as set until Sleeve Cuff patt is complete.

Shaping
Knit 2 rnds.
Inc rnd: K1, m1R, knit to 1 st before end, m1L, k1. 2 stitches increased.

Rep Inc rnd every 8[6, 6, 6, 4, 4, 4, 2, 2, 2] rnds 0[0, 12, 0, 0, 18, 15, 2, 2, 4] more times, then rep Inc rnd every 10[8, 8, 8, 6, 6, 6, 4, 4, 4] rnds 7[9, 0, 9, 13, 1, 3, 19, 20, 19] times. 66[70, 76, 80, 88, 100, 108, 114, 116, 118] sts.

Work even in St st. until Sleeve measures 14[14, 14, 14, 14.5, 14.5, 14.5, 14.5, 15, 15] inches / 35.5[35.5, 35.5, 35.5, 37, 37, 37, 37, 38, 38] cm from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row.

Next rnd: Knit to last 4[4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7] sts, place last 4[4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7] unworked sts and first 4[4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7] sts of next rnd on a holder or waste yarn. Place rem 58[62, 68, 70, 78, 90, 96, 102, 104, 104] Sleeve sts on a separate holder or waste yarn. Set aside.

BODY
With smaller needles for working flat, CO 179[197, 215, 233, 251, 269, 287, 305, 323, 341] sts.

Hem
Row 1 [RS]: K1, p2, k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl, p2, pm, work in K1, P1 Twisted Rib to last 8 sts, pm, p2, k1 tbl, p1, k1 tbl, p2, k1.
Row 2 [WS]: P1, k2, p1 tbl, k1, p1 tbl, k2, sl m, work in K1, P1 Twisted Rib to last 8 sts, sl m, k2, p1 tbl, k1, p1 tbl, k2, p1.
Cont even in patt as est until piece measures 1 inch / 2.5 cm, ending after a RS row.
Change to larger needles for working flat.

Hem Lace
Note: Hem Lace patt will be repeated 9[10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18] times across each row. You may wish to place stitch markers between each pattern repeat to help you stay on track.
Set-up Row [WS]: P1, k2, p3, k2, sl m, purl to m, sl m, k2, p3, k2, p1.
Row 1 [RS]: Work Row 1 of Right Panel to m, sl m, work Row 1 of Hem Lace to m, sl m, work Row 1 of Left Panel to end.
Row 2 [WS]: Work Row 2 of Left Panel to m, sl m, work Row 2 of Hem Lace to m, sl m, work Row 2 of Right Panel to end.
Cont even in patt as est through Row 14 of Hem Lace.

Main Body
Note: Diamond patt will be repeated 9[10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18] times across each row. You may wish to place stitch markers between each pattern repeat to help you stay on track.
Row 1 [RS]: Work next row of Right Panel to m, sl m, work Row 1 of Diamonds to m, sl m, work next row of Left Panel to end.
Row 2 [WS]: Work next row of Left Panel to m, sl m, work Row 2 of Diamonds to m, sl m, work next row of Right Panel to end.
Cont through Row 32 of Diamond patt, then repeat Rows 1-32 of Diamond patt until piece measures 10[10, 10, 10.5, 10.5, 10.5, 11, 11, 11, 11.5] inches / 25.5[25.5, 25.5, 27, 27, 27, 28, 28, 28, 29.5] cm from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Join Body and Sleeves:
Joining row [RS]: Work as est over 37[42, 47, 50, 55, 59, 63, 67, 72, 75] Right Front sts, pm, k1 Right Front st, slip next 8[8, 8, 10, 10, 10, 12, 12, 12, 14] sts to holder or waste yarn, k1 Sleeve st, pm, k 56[60, 66, 68, 76, 88, 94, 100, 102, 102] Sleeve sts, pm, k1 Sleeve st, k1 Back st, pm, work as est over 85[93, 101, 109, 117, 127, 133, 143, 151, 159] Back sts, pm, k1 Back st, slip next 8[8, 8, 10, 10, 10, 12, 12, 12, 14] sts to holder or waste yarn, k1 Sleeve st, pm, k 56[60, 66, 68, 76, 88, 94, 100, 102, 102] Sleeve sts, pm, k1 Sleeve st, k1 Left Front st, pm work as est over 37[42, 47, 50, 55, 59, 63, 67, 72, 75] Left Front sts. 279[307, 335, 353, 387, 429, 455, 485, 507, 521] sts.
Work a WS row even as est to end.

Raglan Shaping:
Note: When working decreases in Lace pattern, maintain decreased stitches in pattern. If there are not enough stitches to work decreases and corresponding increases in the pattern stitch, work these extra stitches in Stockinette stitch instead.

Body and Sleeve dec row [RS]: Work as est over Right Front sts to 2 sts before m, k2tog (1 Front st dec'd), sl m, k2, sl m, ssk, work as est to 2 sts bef m, k2tog (2 Sleeve sts dec'd), sl m, k2, sl m, ssk, work as est to 2 sts bef m, k2tog (2 Back Body sts dec'd), sl m, k2, sl m, ssk, work as est to 2 sts bef m, k2tog (2 Sleeve sts dec'd), sl m, k2, sl m, ssk (1 Front st dec'd), work as est to end. 8 sts dec'd.
Following row: Work even in patt as set.

Note 2: Read through the entire section before proceeding. Sleeve and Body shaping occur at different rates.

Rep Body only Dec row (instructions below) every RS row 24[26, 26, 26, 26, 25, 26, 25, 25, 25] more times, then every row 0[2, 6, 10, 14, 20, 22, 28, 32, 36] times.

At the same time, work Sleeve only Dec row (instructions below) every 4 rows 5[5, 4, 6, 4, 0, 0, 0, 0, 2] more times, then work Sleeve decs every 2 rows 14[16, 20, 18, 24, 34, 37, 39, 40, 38] times.

Rows on which both Sleeve and Body Shaping are worked as per Body and Sleeve dec row above. Other shaping rows are worked as follows:

Body only Dec row [RS]: Work as est over Right Front sts to 2 sts before m, k2tog (1 Front st dec'd), sl m, k2, sl m, work as est over Sleeve sts to m, sl m, k2, sl m, ssk, work as est to 2 sts bef m, k2tog (2 Back Body sts dec'd), sl m, k2, sl m, work as est over Sleeve sts to m, sl m, k2, sl m, ssk (1 Front st dec'd), work as est to end.

Body only Dec row [WS]: Work as est over Left Front sts to 2 sts bef m, p2tog (1 Front st dec'd), sl m, p2, sl m, work as est over Sleeve sts to m, sl m, p2, sl m, ssp, work as est 2 sts before m, p2tog (2 Back Body sts dec'd), sl m, p2, sl m, work as est over Sleeve sts to m, sl m, p2, sl m, ssp (1 Front st dec'd), work as est over Right Front sts to end.

Sleeve only Dec row [RS]: Work as est over Right Front sts to m, sl m, k2, sl m, ssk, work as est to 2 sts bef m, k2tog (2 Sleeve sts dec'd), sl m, k2, sl m, work as est over Back Body sts to m, sl m, k2, sl m, ssk, work as est to 2 sts bef m, k2tog (2 Sleeve sts dec'd), sl m, k2, sl m, work as est over Left Front sts to end.

After all shaping is complete, 13[14, 15, 14, 15, 14, 15, 14, 15, 14] sts rem for each Right and Left Fronts, 18[18, 18, 20, 20, 20, 20, 22, 22, 22] sts rem for each Sleeve, and 37 sts rem for Back. 99[101, 103, 105, 107, 105, 107, 109, 111, 109] total sts rem. Place sts on holder or waste yarn.

Return held underarm stitches from sleeve and body to two separate needles. With RS facing together, bind off sts using the 3-needle method. Repeat for second sleeve/underarm.

FINISHING

Soak finished sweater in cool water with a bit of soap, if desired. Remove from water, place on a towel, and roll the towel up to absorb the excess water. Unroll towel and place on a flat surface, patting it into shape. Let dry.

Right Button Band
With smaller needles and RS facing, begin at bottom of Right Front. Pick up and knit 99[103, 105, 111, 115, 117, 123, 127, 129, 135] sts evenly along Right Front edge.
Row 1 [WS]: P1, *p1 tbl, k1; rep from * to last 2 sts, p1 tbl, p1.
Row 2 [RS]: K1, *k1 tbl, p1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k1 tbl, k1.
Rep Rows 1-2 once more, and work Row 1 again.
Buttonhole Row [RS]: Work as est over 8[6, 7, 8, 5, 6, 8, 5, 6, 8] sts, (work 1 Row Buttonhole over 3 sts, work in patt over 9[10, 10, 9, 10, 10, 9, 10, 10, 9] sts) 7[7, 7, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 9, 10] times, work buttonhole over 3 sts, work as est to end – 8[8, 8, 9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10, 11] buttonholes.
Cont even in patt as est until Button Band measures 1.5 inches / 3.5 cm from picked-up edge, ending with a WS row. Bind off all sts in patt.

Left Button Band
With smaller needles and RS facing, begin at top of Left Front. Pick up and knit 99[103, 105, 111, 115, 117, 123, 127, 129, 135] sts evenly along Left Front edge.
Row 1 [WS]: P1, *p1 tbl, k1; rep from * to last 2 sts, p1 tbl, p1.
Row 2 [RS]: K1, *k1 tbl, p1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k1 tbl, k1.
Cont as est until piece measures 1.5 inches / 3.5 cm from picked-up edge, ending after a WS row.
Bind off in patt.

Neck Edge
With smaller needles and RS facing, begin at top of Right Front Button Band, pick up and knit 9 sts along edge of Button Band, knit across 99[101, 103, 105, 107, 105, 107, 109, 111, 109] held Body sts, pick up and knit 9 sts along Left Front Button Band. 117[119, 121, 123, 125, 123, 125, 127, 129, 127] sts.
Row 1 [WS]: P1, *p1 tbl, k1; rep from * to last 2 sts, p1 tbl, p1.
Row 2 [RS]: K1, *k1 tbl, p1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k1 tbl, k1.
Cont as est until Neck Edge measures .75 inches / 2 cm from picked-up edge, ending with a WS row. Bind off in patt.

Final Step
Weave in ends. Sew buttons to Left Button Band, opposite of buttonholes.

Bust (excluding buttonbands): 32.5[35.75, 39, 42.5, 45.75, 49, 52.25, 55.5, 58.75, 62] inches / 82.5[91, 99, 108, 116, 124.5, 132.5, 141, 149, 157.5] cm
Back Width: 17.25[18.75, 2025, 22, 23.5, 25.25, 26.75, 28.5, 30, 31.75] inches / 44[47.5, 51.5, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72.5, 76.5, 80.5] cm
Front Width: 7.75[8.75, 9.5, 10.25, 11, 11.75, 12.75, 13.5, 14.5, 15] inches / 20[22.5, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32.5, 34.5, 37, 38] cm
Body Length from Hem to Underarm: 10[10, 10, 10.5, 10.5, 10.5, 11, 11, 11, 11.5] inches / 25.5[25.5, 25.5, 27, 27, 27, 28, 28, 28, 29.5] cm
Yoke Depth: 6.5[7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11] inches / 16.5[18, 19, 20.5, 21.5, 23, 24, 25.5, 26.5, 28] cm
Total Body Length: 16.5[17, 17.5, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22.5] inches / 42[43, 44.5, 47, 48.5, 49.5, 52, 53.5, 54.5, 57] cm
Lower Arm Circumference: 9[9, 9, 11, 11, 11, 12.75, 12.75, 12.75, 12.75] inches / 23[23, 23, 28, 28, 28, 32.5, 32.5, 32.5, 32.5] cm
Upper Arm Circumference: 12[12.75, 13.75, 14.5, 16, 18.25, 19.5, 20.75, 21, 21.5] inches / 30.5[32.5, 35, 37, 40.5, 43.5, 49.5, 52.5, 53.5, 54.5] cm
Sleeve Length from Cuff to Underarm: 14[14, 14, 14, 14.5, 14.5, 14.5, 14.5, 15, 15] inches / 35.5[35.5, 35.5, 35.5, 37, 37, 37, 37, 38, 38] cm
Neck Width: 6.75 inches / 17 cm

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Rachel Brockman is a creative lead for Universal Yarn and also designs independently. When she isn't knitting, she's probably playing with her pups, climbing, or watching John Carpenter's The Thing for the millionth time with her husband.

You can find her on Ravelry and Instagram.

Pattern & images © 2019 Rachel Brockman.