Champagne Cardigan by PetiteKnit - Brioche Knit Pattern Taking Knitting World by Storm

Introduction to the Champagne Cardigan by PetiteKnit

The champagne cardigan by PetiteKnit is a beautiful knitting pattern that has taken the knitting world by storm lately. As its name suggests, this delicate cardigan has a light golden hue reminiscent of the bubbly sparkle of champagne. Its unique construction using brioche stitches gives the fabric both visual interest and beautiful drape.

This cardigan pattern was released by the popular knitwear designer PetiteKnit, who is known for her feminine, timeless knitting designs featuring interesting stitches and shaping. Her patterns are very popular among knitters on sites like Instagram, YouTube, and Ravelry where they share their latest creations using the hashtag #knittok.

The Story Behind the Champagne Cardigan Pattern

The champagne cardigan was first released as one of PetiteKnit's patterns in 2021 and it quickly became one of her most popular designs. On her Instagram page, PetiteKnit often shares the latest versions of this cardigan that her fans have knitted up, using the hashtag #champagneMKAL for the "mystery knit-a-long" version of the pattern.

This cardigan design was meant to use up a quantity of unused light golden yarn that PetiteKnit had in her studio. She decided to design something timeless yet interesting by using brioche stitches, which create airy, two-colored fabric from a single color yarn. The resulting knitted fabric and silhouette perfectly captured the essence of celebration and joy.

Yarn and Tools Needed

The original champagne cardigan pattern by PetiteKnit uses Lerkevang's golden flax yarn, a lightweight linen and cotton blend. It's knitted on 3.5mm-5mm needles depending on preference. Any similarly lightweight yarn in an oatmeal, light gray, or champagne color can easily substitute. Having removable stitch markers on hand is also useful.

In terms of skill level, PetiteKnit rates this pattern as advanced beginner or intermediate since brioche knitting experience is needed. However, she provides very thorough instructions and tutorials along the way. Patience is key for handling the two-color brioche stitch as a beginner.

Key Details of the Champagne Cardigan Construction

Now let's take a deeper look into what makes this cardigan so unique. The body is seamlessly knitted in one piece starting from the hem, working up towards the shoulders. The brioche stitch pattern creates a reversible fabric that looks beautiful on both sides.

Brioche Stitch for Texture and Drape

As mentioned, the champagne-hued cardigan is knitted using the two-color brioche stitch, which gives the fabric its signature drape and elastic texture. Knitters create brioche fabric by knitting stitches together with their matching yarnovers in various paired configurations.

When worked flat, the pearly knit side and the muted yarn over side give the impression of a two-colored fabric. In the round, such as for the cardigan body, the contrast isn't as noticeable but the stitch definition remains. The resulting fabric hangs beautifully while maintaining structure.

Shaping With Short Rows

An ingenious aspect of this cardigan's construction is PetiteKnit's strategic use of short rows to shape the shoulder line and create the A-line body shape. Short row shaping involves partially knitting a row then turning your work to strategically avoid shaping at certain points.

In this cardigan, short rows add bust darts for shape and a sophisticated raglan shoulder without disrupting the brioche pattern. Learning to execute short rows takes some practice but elevates shaping possibilities!

Modifications and Variations

While PetiteKnit's original design remains the most popular, the customizable nature of knitting has allowed this pattern to be adapted in numerous ways by creative knitters. Let's explore some of the most eye-catching variations.

Playing With Color

Since the original champagne yarn colorway was a matter of working with materials at hand, many knitters have had fun swapping out the yarn for brighter, bolder shades like emerald, sapphire, and magenta. Gradient yarns take the ombre look even further for a striking effect.

The two-sided nature of brioche stitch lends itself perfectly to playing with color block effects as well. Some knitters have added contrasting stripes or created a cardigan that's reversible pink and blue for a cool surprise element.

Sizing Customization

While the pattern is technically written for women's sizes XXS-XL, the seamless construction lends itself well to customization. Ambitious knitters have sized down to baby and children's versions or sized up by changing yarn weights for an oversized, cuddly cardigan.

For those less experienced with major mods, small tweaks like choosing between a slim or relaxed fit, cropped versus hip length, and long sleeves or short are all easy to incorporate.

Tips for Knitting Your Own Champagne Cardigan

Ready to pick up your needles and knit up this popular cardigan design? Here are some top tips from the knitters who have completed this project for smooth sailing.

Swatch Extensively in Brioche

Brioche stitch looks and behaves very differently from regular knitting stockinette stitch, so be sure to knit a large sized swatch in pattern before casting on. Wash and block your swatch as well to get an accurate gauge.

Read Ahead Before Short Rows

When it comes to the short row bust darts and shoulder shaping, don't wait until you reach those sections to learn the technique. Study YouTube tutorials beforehand so you understand how to work wraps and turns seamlessly in your brioche stitch pattern.

Learn to Read Your Knitting

As an advanced beginner pattern, learning to read your brioche stitches is essential for keeping your place and identifying where mistakes occur so they can be quickly fixed. This pattern offers a great opportunity to build your knitting intuition.

With its celebre status in the knitting world, stunning silhouette, and one-of-a-kind brioche fabric, it's no wonder the champagne cardigan remains an irresistibly popular knit. We can't wait to see even more renditions in the years to come!

FAQs

What yarn is used for the original champagne cardigan?

The original champagne cardigan by PetiteKnit uses Lerkevang's golden flax yarn, a lightweight linen and cotton blend. Any similarly lightweight oatmeal, light gray, or champagne colored yarn can substitute.

What skill level is needed to knit the champagne cardigan?

PetiteKnit rates this pattern as advanced beginner or intermediate skill level since some brioche knitting experience is beneficial. However, the pattern has very thorough instructions for new brioche knitters.

Where can I find help knitting this pattern?

Check out the hashtag #champagneMKAL on Instagram where PetiteKnit and other knitters share tips and photos. The pattern also has tutorials included. YouTube has many brioche knitting technique tutorials as well.

What sizes are available for this pattern?

The written pattern includes women's sizes XXS to XL. However the seamless construction means the cardigan can be easily customized bigger or smaller by changing yarn weights as needed.