Grace

Grace Asymmetric Fitted Cardigan by Judy Furlong

What is Being Made

Grace is an advanced asymmetric fitted cardigan designed by Judy Furlong and originally published in The Knitter, Issue 38 (October 2011). This sophisticated garment features elegant shaping and decorative embellishment, drawing inspiration from vintage evening wear. The cardigan combines structured tailoring with ornamental detailing, making it a statement piece suitable for special occasions or refined everyday wear.

Shaping and Construction Techniques

The fitted silhouette of Grace is achieved through multiple advanced shaping methods working in concert. The pattern employs decreases positioned within the lower section colorwork to create waist definition, complemented by side shaping for a contoured fit. Additional shaping is accomplished through darts and short row shaping at the bust, providing precise garment fit and a professional finish. The pattern includes flexibility for customization: knitters preferring less waist definition can reduce the number of decreases in the lower section, provided they correspondingly reduce the increases above the waist by the same amount.

Stitches and Embellishment Methods

Grace employs several sophisticated stitch and embellishment techniques to create its distinctive aesthetic:

• Intarsia – used for colorwork sections in the lower portion of the cardigan, allowing multiple colors to be incorporated without carrying yarn across the back
• Stranding – applied selectively where yarn spans only a few stitches, reducing the number of bobbins required during knitting
• Swiss Darning (Duplicate Stitch) – an embroidery technique worked over completed knitting to add additional color and detail
• Bead Embellishment – glass beads are individually stitched onto the finished cardigan for sparkle and texture

The combination of intarsia colorwork and subsequent embroidery provides practical benefits: the intarsia helps locate positions for embroidery placement, while the embroidery work that follows offers opportunities to secure any loose strands from the colorwork sections.

Yarn and Materials

Grace is designed to be worked in 4-ply, DK, or chunky weight yarn, offering flexibility in final fabric weight and drape depending on yarn selection. The pattern requires knitting needles appropriate to the chosen yarn weight. Additional materials include glass beads for embellishment and embroidery yarn or thread for Swiss Darning details.

Difficulty Level

This is an advanced knitting pattern, suitable for experienced knitters comfortable with colorwork techniques, shaping methods, and embroidery finishing. The combination of intarsia, stranding, short rows, darts, and bead embellishment requires strong foundational skills and attention to detail.