DROPS Muskat
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DROPS Buttons
Round (Blush) No. 618

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Plum Love Cardigan

Knitted short-sleeved jacket in DROPS Muskat. The piece is worked top down with double neck, round yoke and lace pattern. Sizes S - XXXL.

Highlight Size:

DROPS 248-30

#plumlovecardigan

DROPS Design: Pattern r-828
Yarn group B
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SIZES:
S - M - L - XL - XXL - XXXL

YARN:
DROPS MUSKAT from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group B)
400-400-450-500-550-600 g colour 09, nutmeg

BUTTONS:
DROPS BUTTONS NO 618: 6-6-6-6-7-7 items

NEEDLES:
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 4 MM: Length 80 cm.
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 3 MM: Length 80 cm.
DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE 4 MM.
The technique MAGIC LOOP can be used – you then only need 80 cm circular needle in each size.

KNITTING TENSION:
21 stitches in width and 28 rows in height with stocking stitch = 10 x 10 cm.
NOTE: Needle size is only a guide. If you get too many stitches on 10 cm, change to a larger needle size. If you get too few stitches on 10 cm, change to a smaller needle size.

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Alternative Yarn – See how to change yarns here
Yarn Groups A to F – Use the same pattern and change the yarn here
Yarn usage using an alternative yarn – Use our yarn converter here

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Pattern instructions

NOTE: This pattern is written in British English. All measurements in charts are in cm. Convert from cm to inches here. There are different terms for crocheting in British and American English. If this pattern includes crochet, convert "crochet terms" here. See this pattern in American English here..

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EXPLANATIONS FOR THE PATTERN:

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GARTER STITCH (worked back and forth):
Knit all rows.

BANDS WITH I-CORD:
START OF ROW:
Work the band as follows: Slip 1 stitch purl-wise, with yarn in front, knit 1, work 6 garter stitches.
END OF ROW:
Work the band as follows: Work until there are 8 stitches left on the row, work 6 garter stitches, slip 1 stitch purl-wise with yarn in front, knit 1.

PATTERN:
See diagram A.1. Choose diagram for your size. The diagram shows all rows in the pattern from the right side.

INCREASE TIP (applies to round yoke):
Do not increase over the outermost 12 stitches on each side.
To work out how to increase evenly, count the total number of stitches on the needle (e.g., 125 stitches), minus the 12 stitches on each side, then divide the remaining stitches by the number of increases to be made (e.g., 30) = 3.3.
In this example, increase by making 1 yarn over after approx. each 3rd stitch. On the next row work the yarn overs twisted to avoid holes.

DECREASE TIP (for sides of body):
Start 4 stitches before the marker-thread, slip 1 stitch knit-wise, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over knitted stitch, knit 4 (marker-thread in middle of these 4 stitches), knit 2 together (2 stitches decreased).

BUTTONHOLES:
Work buttonholes on the right band (when the garment is worn). Work from the right side, when there are 5 stitches left on the row as follows: Make 1 yarn over, knit 2 together, knit 1, slip 1 stitch purl-wise with yarn in front, knit 1. On the next row (wrong side), knit the yarn over to leave a hole.
The first buttonhole is worked on the first row from the right side after the neck. The other 5-5-5-5-6-6 buttonholes are then worked with approx. 8-8-8½-9-8-8 cm between each one.
The bottom buttonhole is worked in the transition between stocking stitch and rib.

I-CORD CAST-OFF:
After the last stitch on the round has been worked:
Cast on 3 stitches on the right needle, from the right side. Place the 3 stitches on the left needle, with the working yarn between these 3 stitches and the other stitches (tighten the strand when working to make a small tube).
ROW 1 (right side): Knit 2, knit the next 2 stitches twisted together.
ROW 2 (right side): Place the 3 stitches from the right needle back on the left needle, knit 2, knit the next 2 stitches twisted together.
Repeat ROW 2 until there are 3 stitches left on the right needle. Place these 3 stitches back on the left needle. Cast off.
Sew a small stitch to join the beginning and end of the I-cord.

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START THE PIECE HERE:

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JACKET – SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE PIECE.
The pattern uses both short and long circular needles; start with the length which fits the number of stitches and change when necessary.
The neck and yoke are worked back and forth with circular needle, from mid front and top down. When the yoke is finished, divide the stitches into body and sleeves. Finish the body back and forth with circular needle, top down, while the sleeves wait. The sleeves are then worked in the round, top down. The neck is folded double and sewn down.

NECK:
Cast on 111-115-119-123-127-135 stitches with circular needle size 4 mm and DROPS Muskat. Change to circular needle size 3 mm (casting on with a larger needle makes the cast-on edge elastic). Purl 1 row from the wrong side. Work as follows from the right side: 1 GARTER STITCH – read description above, * knit 1, purl 1 *, work from *-* until there are 2 stitches left, knit 1, 1 garter stitch. Continue this rib back and forth for 4 cm. Now cast on 7 stitches at the end of the next 2 rows = 125-129-133-137-141-149 stitches. Continue the rib but with the outermost 8 stitches on each side worked according to BANDS WITH I-CORD – read description above. Work until the neck measures 9 cm – finishing after a row from the wrong side The neck is later folded double to approx. 4 cm.

YOKE:
Change to circular needle size 4 mm. Insert 1 marker inside the band; the yoke is measured from here. Knit 1 row from the right side (bands worked as before) and increase 30-32-36-40-42-44 stitches evenly spaced – read INCREASE TIP. Remember the BUTTONHOLES on the right band – read description above = 155-161-169-177-183-193 stitches.
Continue with stocking stitch and 8 band stitches on each side. REMEMBER THE KNITTING TENSION!
When the yoke measures 3-3-4-4-5-6 cm from the marker, increase 33-36-40-44-47-52 stitches evenly spaced – remember INCREASE TIP = 188-197-209-221-230-245 stitches.
Continue working until the yoke measures 4-4-5-5-6-7 cm from the marker.
Now work PATTERN – read description above, i.e., work the first row from the right side as follows: 8 band stitches as before, work A.1 until there are 9 stitches left, work the first stitch in A.1 so the pattern is symmetrical, then 8 band stitches as before. Continue this pattern.
AT THE SAME TIME on each row marked with an arrow in A.1, increase as follows:
Arrow-1: Increase 39-40-48-56-57-62 stitches evenly spaced = 227-237-257-277-287-307 stitches.
Arrow-2: Increase 42-47-51-55-66-70 stitches evenly spaced = 269-284-308-332-353-377 stitches.
Arrow-3: Increase 44-53-53-61-64-72 stitches evenly spaced = 313-337-361-393-417-449 stitches.
Arrow-4: Increase 3-7-7-11-11-15 stitches evenly spaced = 316-344-368-404-428-464 stitches.

When A.1 is finished, the yoke measures approx. 18-18-19-19-22-23 cm from the marker.
Continue with stocking stitch and 8 band stitches on each side until the yoke measures 19-20-22-23-25-27 cm from the marker.

Now divide for the body and sleeves: Work the first 54-59-62-67-72-79 stitches (front piece), place the next 58-62-68-76-78-82 stitches on a thread for the sleeve, cast on 8-8-10-10-12-12 (in side under sleeve), work 92-102-108-118-128-142 stocking stitches (back piece), place the next 58-62-68-76-78-82 stitches on a thread for the sleeve, cast on 8-8-10-10-12-12 (in side under sleeve), work the last 54-59-62-67-72-79 stitches as before (front piece).
The body and sleeves are finished separately. The piece is now measured from here!

BODY:
= 216-236-252-272-296-324 stitches. Insert 1 marker-thread 58-63-67-72-78-85 stitches in from each side, with 100-110-118-128-140-154 stitches between the marker-threads on the back piece. Allow the marker-threads to follow your work onwards; they are used when decreasing in the sides.
Work stocking stitch and the bands as before back and forth for a further 5-5-5-7-7-7 cm. Now decrease 1 stitch on each side of both marker-threads – read DECREASE TIP. Decrease like this every 5-5-5-7-7-7 cm a total of 3-3-3-2-2-2 times = 204-224-240-264-288-316 stitches.
Continue working until the body measures 20-21-21-22-22-22 cm from the division.
Work 1 row from the right side and increase 39-45-45-51-57-59 stitches evenly spaced (do not increase over the bands) = 243-269-285-315-345-375 stitches.
Change to circular needle size 3 mm.
Work rib as follows from the wrong side: 8 band stitches, * purl 1, knit 1 *, work from *-* until there are 9 stitches left, purl 1 and 8 band stitches. Continue this rib for 4 cm. Cast off. The jacket measures approx. 48-50-52-54-56-58 cm from the shoulder.

SLEEVES:
Place the 58-62-68-76-78-82 stitches from the thread on the one side of the piece on short circular needle/double pointed needles size 4 mm and knit up 1 stitch in each of the de 8-8-10-10-12-12 stitches cast on under the sleeve = 66-70-78-86-90-94 stitches. Insert a marker-thread in the middle of the new stitches under the sleeve.
Start at the marker-thread and work stocking stitch in the round for 6-5-4-3-3-2 cm.
Knit 1 round and decrease 8-8-6-6-2-0 stitches evenly spaced = 58-62-72-80-88-94 stitches. Cast off with I-CORD – read description above.

ASSEMBLY:
Fold the neck double to the inside and sew down. To avoid the neck being tight, and rolling outwards, it is important that the seam is elastic.
Sew together the openings mid-front of neck with small stitches.
Sew the buttons onto the left band.

Diagram

	= knit from right side, purl from wrong side
	= purl from right side
	= between 2 stitches make 1 yarn over, which is purled on next row (= hole)
	= knit 2 together
	= slip 1 stitch knit-wise, knit 1 and pass slipped stitch over knitted stitch
	= slip 1 stitch knit-wise, knit 2 together and pass slipped stitch over knitted-together stitches

© 1982-2024 DROPS Design A/S We reserve all rights. This document, including all its sub-sections, has copyrights.
What can you do with our patterns? You can share DROPS patterns online, using the pattern original picture, materials, name and number. But you are NOT ALLOWED to reproduce the complete pattern digitally in any way. Yarn stores are welcome to use the DROPS pattern database to promote the sale of our assortment. You can print out our patterns, make as many copies as you’d like. The only thing we ask is that you don't make any changes / additions to the original printed document. And that the patterns according to the DROPS philosophy are given out to the consumers for free. Editorials that wish to publish our patterns in printed books or magazines can contact us for more information. The sale of garments based on DROPS patterns is permitted as long as they are sold as single items or per order. Further commercial use of the patterns is not permitted. It has to be clearly stated that the garment is made based on a design from DROPS DESIGN. The use of clothing labels of which DROPS DESIGN forms part is conditioned by the inclusion of the following text: “A DROPS DESIGN made by …..”. The use of DROPS photos for marketing purposes/sales is only permitted in connection with the use/sale of DROPS products. The photos may not be cut or edited and the logo should be clearly visible.
We reserve the right to withdraw the permission for use of our patterns at any time, notwithstanding the reason.

Each of our patterns has specific tutorial videos to help you.

These step-by-step tutorials might also help you:

Do you have a question? See a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why is the knitting/crochet tension so important?

Knitting tension is what determines the final measurements of your work, and is usually measured per 10 x 10 cm. It is provided like so: number of stitches in width x number of rows in height - eg: 19 stitches x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm.

The knitting tension is very individual; some people knit/crochet loosely while others work tightly. You adjust the knitting tension with the needle size, which is why the suggested needle size is only meant as a guide! You need to adjust this (up or down) to ensure that YOUR knitting tension matches the knitting tension provided in the pattern. If you work with a different knitting tension than provided you will have a different yarn consumption, and your work will have different measurements than what the pattern suggests.

The knitting tension also determines which yarns can replace each other. As long as you achieve the same knitting tension you can replace one yarn with another.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

How do I know how many balls of yarn I need?

The required amount of yarn is provided in grams, eg: 450 g. To calculate how many balls you’ll need you first need to know how many grams are in 1 ball (25g, 50g or 100g). This information is available if you click on the individual yarn quality on our pages. Divide the amount required with the amount of each ball. For example, if each ball is 50g (the most common amount), the calculation will be as follows: 450 / 50 = 9 balls.

Can I use a different yarn than what the pattern suggests?

The important thing when changing from one yarn to another is that the knitting/crochet tension remains the same. This is so that the measurements of the finished piece will be the same as on the sketch provided. It is easier to achieve the same knitting tension using yarns from the same yarn group. It is also possible to work with multiple strands of a thinner yarn to achieve the knitting tension of a thicker one. Please try our yarn converter. We recommend you to always work a test swatch.

Please NOTE: when changing yarn the garment might have a different look and feel to the garment in the photo, due to individual properties and qualities of each yarn.

See DROPS lesson: Can I use a different yarn than the one mentioned in the pattern?

What are the yarn groups?

All our yarns are categorised into yarn groups (from A to F) according to thickness and knitting tension – group A contains the thinnest yarns and group F the thickest. This makes it easier for you to find alternative yarns to our patterns, should you wish to switch yarn. All yarns within the same group have a similar knitting tension and can easily replace each other. However, different yarn qualities have different structures and properties which will give the finished work a unique look and feel.

Click here for an overview of the yarns in each yarn group

How do I use the yarn calculator?

At the top of all our patterns you’ll find a link to our yarn calculator, which is a helpful tool should you wish to use a different yarn than suggested. By filling in the yarn quality you wish to replace, the amount (in your size) and number of strands, the calculator will present good alternative yarns with the same knitting tension. Additionally it will tell you how much you’ll require in the new qualities and whether you’ll need to work with multiple strands. Most skeins are 50g (some are 25g or 100g).

If the pattern is worked with multiple colours, every colour will have to be calculated separately. Similarly, if the pattern is worked with several strands of different yarns (for example 1 strand Alpaca and 1 strand Kid-Silk) you will have to find alternatives for each, individually.

Click here to see our yarn calculator

Why do you show discontinued yarns in the patterns?

Since different yarns have different qualities and textures we have chosen to keep the original yarn in our patterns. However, you can easily find options among our available qualities by using our yarn calculator, or simply pick a yarn from the same yarn group.

It is possible that some retailers still have discontinued yarns in stock, or that someone has a few skeins at home that they would like to find patterns for.

The yarn calculator will provide both alternative yarn as well as required amount in the new quality.

What size should I knit?

If you think it's hard to decide what size to make, it can be a good idea to measure a garment you own already and like the size of. Then you can pick the size by comparing those measures with the ones available in the pattern's size chart.

You'll find the size chart at the bottom of the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read size chart

Why do I get the wrong knitting tension with the suggested needle size?

The needle size provided in the pattern serves only as a guide, the important thing is to follow the knitting tension. And since knitting tension is very individual, you will have to adjust the needle size to ensure that YOUR tension is the same as in the pattern – maybe you’ll have to adjust 1, or even 2 needle sizes, up or down to achieve the correct tension. For this, we recommend that you work test swatches.

Should you work with a different knitting tension than the one provided, the measurements of the finished garment might deviate from the measurement sketch.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a tension/gauge swatch

Why is the pattern worked top-down?

Working a garment top-down provides more flexibility and room for personal adjustment. For example it is easier to try the garment on while working, as well as making adjustments to length of yoke and shoulder caps.

The instructions are carefully explaining every step, in the correct order. Diagrams are adjusted to the knitting direction and are worked as usual.

How do I work according to a knitting diagram?

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is read from bottom to top, from right to left. 1 square = 1 stitch.

When working back and forth, every other row is worked from the right side and every other row is worked from the wrong side. When working from the wrong side, the diagram will have to be worked reversed: from left to right, knit stitches are purled, purl stitches are knit etc.

When working in the round every round is worked from the right side and the diagram are worked from right to left on all rounds.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

How do I work according to a crochet diagram?

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is worked from bottom to top, from right to left.

When working back and forth every other row is worked from the right side: from right to left and every other row is worked from the wrong side: from left to right.

When working in the round, every row in the diagram are worked from the right side, from right to left.

When working a circular diagram you start in the middle and work your way outwards, counter clockwise, row by row.

The rows usually start with a given number of chain stitches (equivalent to the height of the following stitch), this will either be depicted in the diagram or explained in the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

How do I work several diagrams simultaneously on the same row/round?

Instructions for working several diagrams after each other on the same row/round, will often be written like so: “work A.1, A.2, A.3 a total of 0-0-2-3-4 times". This means you work A.1 once, then A.2 is worked once, and A.3 is repeated (in width) the number of times provided for your size – in this case like so: S = 0 times, M = 0 times, L=2 times, XL= 3 times and XXL = 4 times.

The diagrams are worked as usual: begin with the first row in A.1, then work the first row in A.2 etc.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

Why are the sleeves shorter in larger sizes?

The total width of the garment (from wrist-to-wrist) will be larger in the larger sizes, despite the actual sleeves being shorter. The larger sizes have longer sleeve caps and wider shoulders, so there will be a good fit in all sizes.

Where on the garment is the length measured?

The measurement sketch/schematic drawing provides information regarding the full length of the garment. If it’s a jumper or a jacket the length is measured from the highest point on the shoulder closest to the neckline, and straight down to the bottom of the garment. It is NOT measured from the tip of shoulder. Similarly, the length of yoke is measured from the highest point on the shoulder and down to where yoke is split into body and sleeves.

On a jacket measures are never taken along bands, unless specifically stated. Always measure inside band stitches when measuring the length.

See DROPS lesson: How to read a schematic drawing

What is a repeat?

Diagrams are often repeated on the round or in height. 1 repeat is the diagram the way it appears in the pattern. If it says to work 5 repeats of A.1 in the round, then you work A.1 a total of 5 times after/next to each other in the round. If it says to work 2 repeats of A.1 vertically/in height you work the entire diagram once, then begin again at the start and work the entire diagram one more time.

Why does the piece start with more chain stitches than it’s worked with?

Chain stitches are slightly narrower than other stitches and to avoid working the cast-on edge too tight, we simply chain more stitches to begin with. The stitch count will be adjusted on the following row to fit the pattern and measurement sketch.

Why increase before the rib edge when the piece is worked top-down?

The rib edge is more elastic and will contract slightly compared to, for example, stocking stitch. By increasing before the rib edge, you avoid a visible difference in width between the rib edge and the rest of the body.

Why increase in the cast-off edge?

It’s very easy to cast off too tightly, and by making yarn overs while casting off (and simultaneously casting these off) you avoid a too tight cast off edge.

See DROPS video: How to bind off with yarn overs (yo)

How do I increase/decrease on every 3rd and 4th row/round alternately?

To achieve an even increase (or decrease) you can increase on, for example: every 3rd and 4th row alternately, like so: work 2 rows and increase on the 3rd row, work 3 rows and increase on the 4th. Repeat this until the increase is complete.

See DROPS lesson: Increase or decrease 1 st on every 3rd and 4th row alternately

How can I work a jacket in the round instead of back and forth?

Should you prefer to work in the round instead of back and forth, you may of course adjust the pattern. You’ll need to add steeks mid-front (usually 5 stitches), and follow the instructions. When you would normally turn and work from the wrong side, simply work across the steek and continue in the round. At the end you’ll cut the piece open, pick up stitches to work bands, and cover the cut edges.

See DROPS video: How to knit steeks and cut open

Can I work a jumper back and forth instead of in the round?

Should you prefer to work back and forth instead of in the round, you may of course adjust the pattern so you work the pieces separately and then assemble them at the end. Divide the stitches for the body in 2, add 1 edge stitch in each side (for sewing) and work the front and back pieces separately.

See DROPS lesson: Can I adapt a pattern for circular needles into straight needles?

Why is the pattern slightly different than what I see in the photo?

Pattern repeats can vary slightly in the different sizes, in order to get the correct proportions. If you’re not working the exact same size as the garment in the photo, yours might deviate slightly. This has been carefully developed and adjusted so that the complete impression of the garment is the same in all sizes.

Make sure to follow instructions and diagrams for your size!

How do I make a women’s size garment into a men’s size one?

If you have found a pattern you like which is available in women’s size it’s not very difficult to convert it to men’s size. The biggest difference will be the length of sleeves and body. Start working on the women size that you think would fit across the chest. The additional length will be worked right before you cast off for the armhole/sleeve cap. If the pattern is worked top-down you can add the length right after the armhole or before the first decrease on sleeve.

Regarding additional yarn amount, this will depend on how much length you add, but it is better with a skein too many than too few.

How do I prevent a hairy garment from shedding?

All yarns will have excess fibres (from production) that might come off as lint or shedding. Brushed yarns (ie hairier yarns) have more of these loose, excess fibres, causing more shedding.

Shedding also depends on what is worn under or over the garment, and whether this pulls at the yarn fibres. It’s therefore not possible to guarantee that there will be no shedding

Below are some tips on how to get the best result when working with hairier yarns:

1. When the garment is finished (before you wash it) shake it vigorously so the looser hairs come off. NOTE: do NOT use a lint roller, brush or any method that pulls at the yarn.

2. Place the garment in a plastic bag and put it in your freezer - the temperature will cause the fibres to become less attached to each other, and excess fibres will come off easier.

3. Leave in the freezer for a few hours before taking it out and shaking it again.

4. Wash the garment according to the instructions on the yarn label.

Why does my garment pill?

Pilling is a natural process that happens to even the most exclusive of fibers. It's a natural sign of wear and tear that is hard to avoid, and that is most visible in high friction areas of your garment like a sweater's arms and cuffs.

You can make your garment look as new by removing the pilling, using a fabric comb or a pill/lint remover.

Still can't find the answer you need? Then scroll down and leave your question so one of our experts can try to help you. This will be done normally within 5 to 10 working days.
In the meantime, you can read the questions and answers that others have left to this pattern or join the DROPS Workshop on Facebook to get help from fellow knitters/crocheters!