Nydia Cardigan
Nydia Cardigan
I was knitting a second Nydia pullover when I turned to Instagram to ask my followers a few this-or-that questions that would help me decide what to design next. One question was, Cardigan or pullover? In response, a test knitter I’d worked with several times asked me a question of her own: What about a cropped Nydia cardigan?
I became obsessed with the idea immediately. Completely. I couldn’t think about anything else. Within days I’d bought yarn—a warm golden yellow—and cast on a swatch. But just to make sure I wasn’t being biased, I asked my Instagram followers what they thought about a cardigan version. They responded with a resounding yes. They wanted it too.
I cast on the cropped yellow version with 3/4 length sleeves first. As I was working on it, I realized I also wanted to make a full-length version—in a deep red, with long sleeves. Two completely different cardigans, using the same top-down pattern as the foundation. But the moment I slipped them both on, I understood why I’d felt the need to make two versions. They felt completely different to wear.
The full-length one is classic, office-ready, the kind you throw on when you want to feel polished. The cropped one is a party cardi—fun and energetic, the kind you reach for when you want to feel like yourself. Even during the photoshoot, I felt the shift when I changed between them. The energy was different. How I moved, how I stood—it all changed with the color, the length, and the sleeves.
That’s what this pattern offers you: the chance to make the version that matches your life. Cropped or full-length; 3/4 sleeves or long. Mix and match however you want. Because a cardigan should work for you, not the other way around.
What makes the Nydia Cardigan special
Size-inclusive by design. Short rows shape the neckline. Waist and hip shaping enhance your natural curves. All 12 sizes are built to fit, and customization tips help you achieve a cardigan that’s tailor made. No boxy construction here.
Four ways to wear it. Cropped with 3/4 sleeves for spring layering and everyday wear. Full-length with long sleeves for classic elegance. Or mix and match to create something that’s entirely yours.
A deceptively simple 4-row lace stitch. It looks intricate, but it’s surprisingly easy to knit—memorize the repeat in one sitting and then you’ll knit it on autopilot.
Lateral braids frame the stitch and polish the whole look. They separate the lace pattern from the ribbed edges, and there’s a video tutorial if you need one.
DK weight yarn knits faster than the finished look suggests. Professional finishing touches with a simple stitch pattern add up to a cardigan that looks meticulously made.
Some people are just knit-worthy. You know the ones—the people you can’t help but knit for. For me, that’s always been my husband’s cousin, someone I’ve watched grow from a shy preteen into a kind and confident woman. She’s always cherished every handmade gift, no matter how small, so when she announced she was expecting her first child, my first thought was, “I’m going to knit for the baby!”
Time flew, and before I knew it, her baby was a toddler. But once I had the idea and the perfect yarn, everything clicked into place. The knitting flew by in less than a month because every stitch felt like a celebration of this special little girl. When I finally saw her wearing it—running around, playing, and completely living in it—I knew I’d made something truly special.
This is that knit. It’s a top-down, raglan cardigan with an elegantly simple lace stitch that’s both easy to memorize and completely addictive. You’ll find yourself saying, “Just one more row…” until it’s done—and then you’ll want to see it out in the wild, being worn and loved the way it was meant to be.
My little model put hers through a rigorous toddler durability test during our photo shoot—snacks, dirt, and all! But no worries: a little lint rolling and a quick spot clean later, the cardigan was good as new.
Since then, this pattern has been tested by knitters all over the world, and the stories that came back made my heart so full. Little ones refusing to take their cardigans off. Toddlers twirling around like tiny runway models. Kids who insisted on wearing theirs everywhere. That's the thing about knitting for children—when you get it right, they know, and they'll show you in the best possible ways.
And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a mini-me moment? If you’re already imagining how cute this cardigan would look on you, guess what? There’s a grown-up version of the Nydia Cardigan available too. Because why should kids have all the fun?
💡 There’s a little version of the Nydia Cardigan designed for babies, toddlers, and kids—same details, quicker to knit. Make one for a kid in your life, or make both as a matching set!
Testermonials
“I was really captivated by the stitch pattern and all of the beautiful details. I appreciated the layout of the pattern itself and thought it was easy to follow. I’m mostly a chart reader and the written portion looked overwhelming, but once I read through it and got a few rows in it was very rhythmic, so my advice to anybody considering it would be to give yourself some time for it to click, because it will!”
“There is a LOT of info in this pattern. You’ve actually designed 12 fully unique sizes (most people don’t), but you’ve done a good job of organizing all the details. So many patterns I knit today really only design the yoke for different sizes. After that, sleeves and bodies often have no shaping and are just knit even until hem or cuff. They are only differentiated by number of stitches in the circumference. So needless to say they are less complex. But also it feels like lazy designing. You didn’t take that easy out and I appreciate it.”
“This was my first cardigan and first test knit. I really enjoyed the process. Your pattern was well thought out and written. I loved all the details and helpful hints you included. The level of detail isn’t something I’ve come across in other patterns. It was nice not to have to run to google every time I needed to brush up on a technique. ”
“At the end of the day I have a beautiful garment which has detailed finishing and will be treasured and worn constantly and I am very grateful you let me knit it. I think your attention to detail is above and beyond and I will take some of those details on with me into all future knitting.”
What you get
Instant PDF download with 12 sizes and a detailed schematic showing all key measurements.
Instructions for two sleeve lengths and two body lengths, plus complete customization tips so you can create a truly fine-tuned, custom fit sweater.
Thorough guidance for reading and knitting the textured lace stitch pattern.
Video tutorials for lateral braids, buttonholes, button sewing, and other professional finishing techniques—you can preview the playlist on YouTube.
Shaping trackers and a buttonhole placement worksheet to keep your progress and any modifications organized.
What will your version look like?
I was knitting a second Nydia pullover when I turned to Instagram to ask my followers a few this-or-that questions that would help me decide what to design next. One question was, Cardigan or pullover? In response, a test knitter I’d worked with several times asked me a question of her own: What about a cropped Nydia cardigan?
I became obsessed with the idea immediately. Completely. I couldn’t think about anything else. Within days I’d bought yarn—a warm golden yellow—and cast on a swatch. But just to make sure I wasn’t being biased, I asked my Instagram followers what they thought about a cardigan version. They responded with a resounding yes. They wanted it too.
I cast on the cropped yellow version with 3/4 length sleeves first. As I was working on it, I realized I also wanted to make a full-length version—in a deep red, with long sleeves. Two completely different cardigans, using the same top-down pattern as the foundation. But the moment I slipped them both on, I understood why I’d felt the need to make two versions. They felt completely different to wear.
The full-length one is classic, office-ready, the kind you throw on when you want to feel polished. The cropped one is a party cardi—fun and energetic, the kind you reach for when you want to feel like yourself. Even during the photoshoot, I felt the shift when I changed between them. The energy was different. How I moved, how I stood—it all changed with the color, the length, and the sleeves.
That’s what this pattern offers you: the chance to make the version that matches your life. Cropped or full-length; 3/4 sleeves or long. Mix and match however you want. Because a cardigan should work for you, not the other way around.
Test Knitter Photo Gallery
THANK YOU to the OVER 100 test knitters who helped make this pattern possible. Below is a gallery of their beautiful cardigans, shown in the order of the size made. ❤️ Click or tap the photos to enlarge them and scroll through. Tester usernames are for Ravelry unless otherwise noted.
The Knitty-Gritty
Description
Just like the pullover with the same namesake, the Nydia Cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down with compound raglan shaping. Lateral braids separate the ribbed edgings from the focal stitch pattern, a simple yet luxurious all-over lace texture that knits up quickly in a DK weight yarn. Short rows are used to gently curve and lower the front neckline, and waist and hip shaping allows the cardigan to gracefully contour your form.
Choose your own adventure between a cropped body with 3/4 length sleeves or a full-length body with long sleeves—or mix it up with any combination of the body and sleeve lengths! In between two sizes? Follow the fit customization guidelines to achieve bust circumferences ranging 31.25–64.75" (78–162 cm) instead. Tips are provided for adjusting the sweater to your liking!
Sizes
1 (2, 3, 4, 5) [6, 7, 8, 9] {10, 11, 12}
Finished Bust Circumferences
In Inches: 29.75 (32.75, 36, 39, 42) [45, 48, 51.25, 54.25] {57.25, 60.25, 63.25}”
In Centimeters: 74.5 (82, 90, 97.5, 105) [112.5, 120.5, 128, 135.5] {143, 150.5, 158.5} cm
Circumferences are for the finished cardigan worn closed. Cardigan is intended to fit with approximately 0–2" (0–5 cm) of negative ease at the full bust. Fit customization guidelines are also provided to help you achieve bust circumferences ranging 31.25–64.75" (78–162 cm) instead.
Yarn
Plied, DK weight yarn in the following amounts:
Yards: 770–1246 (854–1364, 920–1464, 1007–1587, 1097–1712) [1166–1815, 1237–1919, 1350–2079, 1484–2279] {1623–2467, 1700–2579, 1812–2739} yards
Meters: 705–1139 (781–1247, 841–1339, 921–1451, 1003–1565) [1067–1661, 1131–1755, 1235–1901, 1358–2084] {1485–2256, 1555–2358, 1658–2505} meters
Pattern includes a table with specific yarn requirements. Samples shown in Julie Asselin Leizu DK [DK weight, 90% superwash merino wool, 10% silk] in colorways 'Safran' and 'Bisous'
Needles
US 6 (4 mm) circular needle, 32" (80 cm) or longer, or needle size necessary to obtain correct gauge
US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle, 32” (80 cm) or longer, or needle size .5 mm smaller than gauge needle
Appropriate needle(s) in both sizes for your preferred method of knitting small circumferences in the round
Gauge
21 sts and 28 rows/rounds = 4” (10 cm) in textured lace pattern using larger needles, blocked
Notions
(8) Stitch markers, for raglan lines
(2) Removable markers, to mark short row turns (optional) and centers of underarms
Crochet hook, size D (3.25 mm) or slightly smaller
Tapestry needle
Waste yarn or two spare circular needles/cords, for placing sleeve stitches on hold
Sewing needle and thread (ball point needle and 100% polyester thread recommended)
(8) or (13) 5/8" (1.5 cm) buttons, depending on body length
Your cardigan is waiting.
I was knitting a second Nydia pullover when I turned to Instagram to ask my followers a few this-or-that questions that would help me decide what to design next. One question was, Cardigan or pullover? In response, a test knitter I’d worked with several times asked me a question of her own: What about a cropped Nydia cardigan?
I became obsessed with the idea immediately. Completely. I couldn’t think about anything else. Within days I’d bought yarn—a warm golden yellow—and cast on a swatch. But just to make sure I wasn’t being biased, I asked my Instagram followers what they thought about a cardigan version. They responded with a resounding yes. They wanted it too.
I cast on the cropped yellow version with 3/4 length sleeves first. As I was working on it, I realized I also wanted to make a full-length version—in a deep red, with long sleeves. Two completely different cardigans, using the same top-down pattern as the foundation. But the moment I slipped them both on, I understood why I’d felt the need to make two versions. They felt completely different to wear.
The full-length one is classic, office-ready, the kind you throw on when you want to feel polished. The cropped one is a party cardi—fun and energetic, the kind you reach for when you want to feel like yourself. Even during the photoshoot, I felt the shift when I changed between them. The energy was different. How I moved, how I stood—it all changed with the color, the length, and the sleeves.
That’s what this pattern offers you: the chance to make the version that matches your life. Cropped or full-length; 3/4 sleeves or long. Mix and match however you want. Because a cardigan should work for you, not the other way around.
Buy it on Ravelry.
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Back in 2011, I set out to design the sweater I wished I had when I first started knitting garments. I wanted something stunning but approachable. Something that looked intricate but was secretly easy to make. A pattern that could help knitters take that big, scary leap into sweater-making without feeling left in the dark.
That’s how Julissa—my very first garment pattern—was born. It’s a top-down, beautifully detailed, boat neck raglan pullover that quickly became the first-ever sweater for so many knitters. But just like every knitter evolves, so do patterns.
Fast forward 10 years to 2021, and I knew Julissa deserved more. In that decade, I had learned so much about fit, shaping, finishing techniques, and how to make my knitting patterns more intuitive. I cared about this design too much to leave it in the past, so I completely updated it with everything I’d learned:
Expanded size range to meet today’s size-inclusivity standards
More refined shaping for the neckline and larger busts
Extra guidance on customization for different body types and fit preferences
Detailed explanations and links to video tutorials for professional shaping and finishing techniques
More printer-friendly and interactive
This pattern is an oldie but a goodie; a legacy piece that has grown and improved right alongside me and the knitters who’ve made it. Ready to become a part of its history?
It all started in spring 2021, just days after I finished knitting the Nydia pullover. With one skein of that beautiful yarn left, I imagined a matching hat with the same textured stitch and lateral braid detail. I excitedly cast on, expecting to finish it by the end of the weekend.
It didn’t work out that way. Another project called—a sweater!—and the hat got set aside. Weeks became months, and when I rediscovered the nearly finished hat in early 2022, I picked it up to work on the crown shaping, but it didn’t come together the way I wanted. Back into the project bag it went.
Then, at the beginning of 2023, after test knitting the Nydia Cardigan, a few testers asked if there’d be a matching hat. That question sparked something, and my initial excitement came rushing back. Unable to find my original project, I cast on again with the details still alive in my mind. And this time? Everything clicked. The crown shaping came together in a single day.
I cast on another, then another, and just kept going—working with different DK weight yarns, adjusting stitch placements, and fine-tuning every detail. Each hat flew off the needles. Before I knew it, the Nydia Hat had evolved into not just one but two variations in sizes graded to fit the whole family.
A generous group of test knitters helped me confirm the pattern worked, and several made multiple hats for themselves and loved ones too. And just like that, after all those years, the Nydia Hat was finally ready for the world.
Avalyn is a timeless, elegant piece with classic design details and modern, feminine shaping. The rib‑based, allover lattice texture and chunky cables together with the cardigan’s folded cuffs and shawl collar will keep you warm and cozy in sophisticated style.
This cardigan is knit seamlessly from the top down using raglan shaping. The yoke is knit first and stitches are placed on hold for the sleeves. The body is then worked to the hem, and the waist is shaped using decrease and increase methods created and tailored specially for this cardigan. Upon completion of the body, stitches are picked up along the edges of the cardigan for the shawl collar, which is shaped using short rows before the button band is worked. Finally, the sleeves are resumed and worked seamlessly in the round from the top down.