Stitch a Textured Cardigan with Nydia

May 31, 2023 by Sarah White

I bought the Nydia Pullover by Vanessa Smith when it came out, though I haven’t knit it yet (my pattern stash is almost as big a problem as my yarn stash!). I was sure that I wrote about how much I loved if back when it came out, but I guess I didn’t share that one one with. If you’re more into pullovers, be sure to check that one out on Ravelry, too.

But now that there’s a cardigan version, I’m probably going to have to buy that one, too.

The Nydia cardigan uses the same pretty textured lace pattern that from a distance looks sort of like linen stitch. It’s easy to knit and works up pretty quickly in DK weight yarn. The pattern is a top down raglan with lateral braided edgings separating the ribbing from the main body stitch pattern.

This design is totally customizable. It’s written with options for a cropped length or standard full length, and with 3/4 or long sleeves. It has 12 size options ranging from a chest measurement of 29.85 inches to 63.25 inches, but the pattern also includes instructions for customizing the chest measurement to your specifications. It’s meant to be worn with zero to 2 inches of negative ease (meaning the sweater is either the same size or up to 2 inches smaller than your full bust measurement).

The pattern is so pretty and it looks somehow dressed up and casual at the same time.

Now I’m just going to need a worsted weight version to be my wear all the time when I’m in the house sweater. I’m sure I could figure it out from all the size options and mods available in this fun pattern.

You can learn more and grab your copy of the pattern from Ravelry.

[Photo: Vanessa Smith.]

Have you read?

Stitch a Simple Sack Hat that Looks Like a Turkey

If your family is the sort to do a turkey trot for Thanksgiving, or even just to take family pictures, you’ll want to get started knitting up some Turkey Sack Hats with this pattern from Underground Crafter.

The pattern uses super bulky yarn and is rated easy. It’s knit flat but there are a few skills in here around the shaping of the eyes, which includes changing colors, working bobbles and doing a wicked purl 3 together decrease. Twice.

But that’s all in one row, and the rest of it is pretty simple. The beak is worked separately and sewn on, and the side of the hat is stitched up to make it into a hat.

What’s great about this one is that it comes in 10 sizes, ranging from newborn to adult large, so you really can make one for everyone in the family. And because it uses super bulky yarn you can knit a bunch pretty quickly if that’s a thing you’d like to do.

It’s also fun because you could use this base pattern to make different animals or for different holidays. Make it all in orange and stitch on a jack o’lantern face for Halloween, or make a white one that’s a snowman, for example.

In any style this would also be a fun gag gift for that person in your life who has everything or doesn’t want gifts, or if you do a secret Santa or white elephant gift exchange at work or elsewhere.

And make sure whether you’re making it a turkey or some other character that you include the pom poms at the top! They’re just so cure and a great way to add a bit more color to the project, and they’re easy to make. (See also: ways to make a pompom with yarn.)

You can grab the free pattern at the Underground Crafter website.

[Photo: Underground Crafter]