DROPS Alpaca
DROPS Alpaca
 100% Alpaca
from 4.85 $ /50g
needles
DROPS Needles & Hooks
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 24.25$.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

DROPS Christmas Calendar
  1. Free patterns
  2. Women
  3. Cardigans
  4. Boleros
  5. DROPS
  6. 95
  7. 17

Gypsy Ballad

DROPS Bolero cardigan in Alpaca.

Change language:

DROPS 95-17
Size: XS - S – M – L – XL - XXL
Finished measurements:
Bust: 80-88-96-106-116-128 cm / 31½"-34⅝"-37¾"-41¾"-45¾"-50⅜"
Full length: 35-37-39-41-43-45 cm / 13¾"-14½"-15¼"-16⅛"-17"-17¾"

Materials: DROPS Alpaca from Garnstudio
200-200-250-250-300-300 g color no. 7139, gray green
and use:
DROPS Vivaldi from Garnstudio
50 g color no. 02, brown for the edges

DROPS straight and circular needles size 3.5 mm / US 4 or the size you will need to obtain the correct knitting gauge

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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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DROPS Alpaca
DROPS Alpaca
 100% Alpaca
from 4.85 $ /50g
needles
DROPS Needles & Hooks
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 24.25$.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

Pattern instructions

NOTE: This pattern is written in American English. All measurements in charts are in cm. Convert from inches to cm here. There are different terms for crocheting in American and British English. If this pattern includes crochet, convert "crochet terms" here. See this pattern in British English here.
Knitting Gauge: 23 sts x 30 rows on needles size 3.5 mm / US 4 with Alpaca in stockinette sts = 10 x 10 cm / 4" x 4".

Bind off (for the armhole):
Bind off inside K5 sts. All bind off’s should be done from the right side. Bind off as follows after 5 sts: Slip 1 st. as if to knit, K1 psso. Bind off as follows before the 5 sts: K2 tog.

Rib: *K2, P2*, repeat from *-*.

Back piece:
Cast on 82-92-100-112-124-138 sts (includes 1 seam sts each side – all seam sts are knitted in garter st throughout) on needles size 3.5 mm / US 4 with Alpaca.
Work in stockinette sts with a seam st in garter st each side.
When the piece measures 4 cm / 1½" inc. 1 st each side on every 2-2-2-2.5-2.5-2.5 cm / ¾"-¾"-¾"-⅞"-⅞"-⅞" a total of 6 times = 94-104-112-124-136-150 sts.
When the piece measures 17-18-19-20-21-22 cm / 6¾"-7"-7½"-8"-8¼"-8¾" bind off each side for armhole: 5-7-8-10-13-17 sts 1 time.
Continue to bind off 1 st for armhole on every 4th row – see bind off tips – 2-4-5-8-10-12 times = 80-82-86-88-90-92 sts.
When the piece measures 33-35-37-39-41-43 cm / 13"-13¾"-14½"-15¼"-16⅛"-17" bind off the mid 28-30-30-32-32-32 sts for neck and work each side separately.
Continue to bind off at each neck side on every other row 1 st 2 times = 24-24-26-26-27-28 sts left for shoulder.
Bind off when the piece measures 35-37-39-41-43-45 cm / 13¾"-14½"-15¼"-16⅛"-17"-17¾".

Left front:
Cast on 22-22-25-26-28-30 sts (includes 1 seam st at the side) on needles size 3.5 mm / US 4 with Alpaca.
Please read all of the next section before continuing!

Insert a marker inside the outermost st mid front. Continue in stockinette sts – at the same time inc for the rounded edge mid front as follows: Cast on new sts on every other row (i.e. at the end of every row towards mid front) 3 sts 3-4-4-5-5-6 times, 2 sts 2-3-4-5-7-8 times and 1 st 9-9-8-8-8-8 times – after the last inc. insert a marker inside the outermost st mid front.

Increases at side: At the same time when the piece measures 4 cm / 1½" inc. at the side as done for the back piece. After all inc. are complete there are 50-55-59-65-71-78 sts on needle.

Neck shaping: When the piece measures 17-17-18-19-20-21 cm / 6¾"-6¾"-7"-7½"-8"-8¼" bind off for neck mid front. Bind off on every 4th row: 1 st 3-3-4-4-5-5 times, on every other row: 1 st 13-13-12-12-11-11 times and then on every 4th row again: 1 st 3-4-4-5-5-5 times.

Armholes: At the same time when the piece measures 17-18-19-20-21-22 cm / 6¾"-7"-7½"-8"-8¼"-8¾" bind off for armhole as done for the back piece.
When all dec for the neck and armhole are complete there are 24-24-26-26-27-28 sts left for shoulder.
Bind off when the piece measures 35-37-39-41-43-45 cm / 13¾"-14½"-15¼"-16⅛"-17"-17¾".

Right front: Work as left front, but reverse.

Sleeve:
Cast on 70-74-78-86-90-94 sts (includes 1 seam st each side) on 2 needles size 3.5 mm / US 4 with Vivaldi (use both needles to ensure the edge becomes stretchy). Remove 1 needle and work 4 rows stockinette sts (= rolling edge).
Change to Alpaca and continue in Rib with a seam st in garter st each side.
When the rib measures 3 cm / 1⅛" knit 2 rows of garter sts and then continue in stockinette sts.
At the same time after the 2 rows of garter sts bind off for sleeve cap each side on every other row as follows: 3 sts 1 time, 2 sts 3-3-4-4-4-5 times and 1 st 4-4-6-6-7-8 times. Continue to bind off 2 sts each side until the piece measures 11-12-13-14-15-17 cm / 4⅜"-4¾"-5⅛"-5½"-6"-6¾".
Then bind off each side 3 sts 1 time.
Bind off the remaining sts when the piece measures 12-13-14-15-16-18 cm / 4¾"-5⅛"-5½"-6"-6¼"-7".

Assembly: Sew the shoulders. Sew in the sleeves and then sew the sides and the sleeve together.

Rib: pick up approx 344-368-384-416-440-464 sts (divisible by 4) along the whole edge on circular needles size 3.5 mm / US 4 with Alpaca (begin mid back) – Note: Make sure to pick up enough sts (28-28-30-30-32-32 sts) between the markers on both front pieces so that the rib doesn't become too tight.
Work rounds as follows: P 1 round, K 1 round and continue in rib.
When the rib measures 3 cm / 1⅛" change to Vivaldi.
Work 4 rounds of stockinette sts and bind off loosely.
To ensure the edge doesn't become too tight make a yo after every 8th st while binding off (knit and bind off the yo's as sts).

The cardigan may be held together with a pin, a kilt pin or a brooch.

This pattern has been corrected.

Updated online: 14.02.2023
Back piece: ... Knit in stockinette sts with a seam st each side. When the piece measures 4 cm = 1 1/2" inc. 1 st each side on every 2-2-2-2.5-2.5-2.5 cm = 3/4"-3/4"-3/4"-1”-1”-1” a total of 6 times = 94-104-112-124-136-150 sts.

Diagram

All measurements in charts are in cm.

diagram measurements
© 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.

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

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 only serve 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

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.

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?

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

At the top of all our patterns you’ll find a link to our yarn converter, 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 converter 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 converted 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 converter

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 converter, 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 converter will provide both alternative yarn as well as required amount in the new quality.

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

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 gauge tension swatch

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.

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

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

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

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.

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 (usually 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.

See DROPS lesson: How to read a schematic drawing

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.

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.

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.

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)

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

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

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?

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!

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.

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.

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!
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Comments / Questions (27)

country flag Susanna wrote:

There is a mistake in the instructions for the side increases. It says to start them for the back at 5cm and for the sides at 4cm. I checked the original pattern as suggested and it has both starting at 4cm, which makes much more sense.

14.02.2023 - 03:17

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Susanna, thanks for noticing, pattern will be edited. Happy knitting!

14.02.2023 - 14:13

country flag Ia wrote:

Hej När jag skall sticka axlarna/på bakstycket och minska maskor mot halsringningen skall jag då sticka en axel åt gången? Dvs sätta maskorna på den ena axeln på en hjälpsticka eller tråd under tiden jag stickar den andra. Hälsnngar Ia

06.01.2023 - 14:00

DROPS Design answered:

Hej Ia, ja det stemmer, når du lukket de midterste masker af strikker du hver axel hver for sig :)

10.01.2023 - 11:56

country flag Sylvie PERRIER wrote:

Bonsoir, Je ne comprends pas les diminutions des emmanchures. Faut-il diminuer après 5 mailles de chaque rang? Et si oui quel est l'intérêt et fait-il faire cela aussi sur les manches? Merci de votre réponse.

12.03.2018 - 22:18

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Mme Perrier, on rabat pour les emmanchures 1 x 5 mailles de chaque côté (= pour le dos on rabat ces mailles en début de rang sur l'endroit + sur l'envers = des 2 côtés, pour les devants, ces mailles sont rabattues uniquement côté emmanchure). Pour les manches, on commence à rabattre pour l'arrondi des manches par 1 x 3 m de chaque côté. Bon tricot!

13.03.2018 - 09:39

country flag Moira wrote:

When choosing a size to knit, should we go by the measurements given in the drawn diagram or the written finished measurements? For example, if I read the diagram correctly it suggests that the largest size measures 64" at the bust, but the written instructions say that the same size is 50 3/8" at the bust. Thanks in advance!

18.04.2017 - 09:58

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Moira, measurements in chart are taken flat from side to side in cm - you can convert into inches here. Happy knitting!

18.04.2017 - 11:38

Catherine Edwards wrote:

When you reach the armhole are you suppose to make a 5 stitch garter stitch border on each side? In the main instructions the only mention of garter stitch is one stitch at each side for the seam but the Bind off (for the armhole) instructions make it sound like you're supposed to knit the first 5 stitches each side in garter stitch. Please clarify. Thanks.

26.03.2016 - 01:28

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Mrs Edwards, there is only 1 st in garter st on each side, bind off for armhole should be done inside K5 (ie 5 sts in stocking st not in garter st, pattern will be updated asap). Thank you. Best regards!

29.03.2016 - 08:58

country flag Reinagel wrote:

Bonjour et merci pour la réponse. Modèle boléro 95-17 A quel usage doit servir le crocher drops n° 5 ?

20.04.2015 - 16:37

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Mme Reinagel, effectivement, le crochet n'est pas utilisé et a été supprimé. Merci. Bon tricot!

20.04.2015 - 18:02

country flag Chris wrote:

Enjoying the pattern, but I'm wondering if I should bind off 10 stitches on the sleeve armhole before staring on the bind off 3, 2, 1 Is the pattern correct?

05.08.2014 - 23:49

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Chris, pattern is correct that way, you start sleeve cap binding off 3 sts 1 time ... Happy knitting!

06.08.2014 - 10:24

country flag Alexandra Thurl wrote:

Hallo Liebes Drops-Team, vielen Dank für die schnelle und genaue Antwort!!

10.05.2012 - 18:00

country flag Alexandra Thurl wrote:

Was bedeutet bei Bolero Drops Nr.95-17 Maschen für die Rundung des Vorderteils "am Schluss jeder Reihe gegen die Mitte zunehmen"? Heißt das, dass man am Schluss der reihe oder in der Mitte zunehmen soll? Der Begriff "gegen die Mitte" ist etwas irreführend. Und wo soll ich genau den Markierungsfaden einziehen, gleich nach der 1.Masche oder in der Mitte vorne?

09.05.2012 - 12:51

DROPS Design answered:

Man nimmt am Schluss der Reihe zu (also gegen die Mitte der Arbeit, nicht in der Mitte der Reihe). Der Markierungsfaden wird neben der 1. Masche eingezogen. Die Anleitung wurde zum besseren Verständnis etwas überarbeitet.

10.05.2012 - 07:57

country flag Dorothea Winter wrote:

Ich kann nicht verstehen, wo bei Drops Nr. 95-17 Bolero Jacke die Maschen am Vorderteil für die Rundung zugenommen werden. Ist es in der Mitte oder am Ende der Reihe? Vielen Dank im voraus und herzliche Grüße Dorothea Winter

17.04.2012 - 21:16

DROPS Design answered:

Am Schluss jeder R. gegen die Mitte.

18.04.2012 - 10:02

Gypsy Ballad


DROPS Bolero cardigan in Alpaca.

DROPS 95-17
Size: XS - S – M – L – XL - XXL
Finished measurements:
Bust: 80-88-96-106-116-128 cm / 31½"-34⅝"-37¾"-41¾"-45¾"-50⅜"
Full length: 35-37-39-41-43-45 cm / 13¾"-14½"-15¼"-16⅛"-17"-17¾"

Materials: DROPS Alpaca from Garnstudio
200-200-250-250-300-300 g color no. 7139, gray green
and use:
DROPS Vivaldi from Garnstudio
50 g color no. 02, brown for the edges

DROPS straight and circular needles size 3.5 mm / US 4 or the size you will need to obtain the correct knitting gauge

Knitting Gauge: 23 sts x 30 rows on needles size 3.5 mm / US 4 with Alpaca in stockinette sts = 10 x 10 cm / 4" x 4".

Bind off (for the armhole):
Bind off inside K5 sts. All bind off’s should be done from the right side. Bind off as follows after 5 sts: Slip 1 st. as if to knit, K1 psso. Bind off as follows before the 5 sts: K2 tog.

Rib: *K2, P2*, repeat from *-*.

Back piece:
Cast on 82-92-100-112-124-138 sts (includes 1 seam sts each side – all seam sts are knitted in garter st throughout) on needles size 3.5 mm / US 4 with Alpaca.
Work in stockinette sts with a seam st in garter st each side.
When the piece measures 4 cm / 1½" inc. 1 st each side on every 2-2-2-2.5-2.5-2.5 cm / ¾"-¾"-¾"-⅞"-⅞"-⅞" a total of 6 times = 94-104-112-124-136-150 sts.
When the piece measures 17-18-19-20-21-22 cm / 6¾"-7"-7½"-8"-8¼"-8¾" bind off each side for armhole: 5-7-8-10-13-17 sts 1 time.
Continue to bind off 1 st for armhole on every 4th row – see bind off tips – 2-4-5-8-10-12 times = 80-82-86-88-90-92 sts.
When the piece measures 33-35-37-39-41-43 cm / 13"-13¾"-14½"-15¼"-16⅛"-17" bind off the mid 28-30-30-32-32-32 sts for neck and work each side separately.
Continue to bind off at each neck side on every other row 1 st 2 times = 24-24-26-26-27-28 sts left for shoulder.
Bind off when the piece measures 35-37-39-41-43-45 cm / 13¾"-14½"-15¼"-16⅛"-17"-17¾".

Left front:
Cast on 22-22-25-26-28-30 sts (includes 1 seam st at the side) on needles size 3.5 mm / US 4 with Alpaca.
Please read all of the next section before continuing!

Insert a marker inside the outermost st mid front. Continue in stockinette sts – at the same time inc for the rounded edge mid front as follows: Cast on new sts on every other row (i.e. at the end of every row towards mid front) 3 sts 3-4-4-5-5-6 times, 2 sts 2-3-4-5-7-8 times and 1 st 9-9-8-8-8-8 times – after the last inc. insert a marker inside the outermost st mid front.

Increases at side: At the same time when the piece measures 4 cm / 1½" inc. at the side as done for the back piece. After all inc. are complete there are 50-55-59-65-71-78 sts on needle.

Neck shaping: When the piece measures 17-17-18-19-20-21 cm / 6¾"-6¾"-7"-7½"-8"-8¼" bind off for neck mid front. Bind off on every 4th row: 1 st 3-3-4-4-5-5 times, on every other row: 1 st 13-13-12-12-11-11 times and then on every 4th row again: 1 st 3-4-4-5-5-5 times.

Armholes: At the same time when the piece measures 17-18-19-20-21-22 cm / 6¾"-7"-7½"-8"-8¼"-8¾" bind off for armhole as done for the back piece.
When all dec for the neck and armhole are complete there are 24-24-26-26-27-28 sts left for shoulder.
Bind off when the piece measures 35-37-39-41-43-45 cm / 13¾"-14½"-15¼"-16⅛"-17"-17¾".

Right front: Work as left front, but reverse.

Sleeve:
Cast on 70-74-78-86-90-94 sts (includes 1 seam st each side) on 2 needles size 3.5 mm / US 4 with Vivaldi (use both needles to ensure the edge becomes stretchy). Remove 1 needle and work 4 rows stockinette sts (= rolling edge).
Change to Alpaca and continue in Rib with a seam st in garter st each side.
When the rib measures 3 cm / 1⅛" knit 2 rows of garter sts and then continue in stockinette sts.
At the same time after the 2 rows of garter sts bind off for sleeve cap each side on every other row as follows: 3 sts 1 time, 2 sts 3-3-4-4-4-5 times and 1 st 4-4-6-6-7-8 times. Continue to bind off 2 sts each side until the piece measures 11-12-13-14-15-17 cm / 4⅜"-4¾"-5⅛"-5½"-6"-6¾".
Then bind off each side 3 sts 1 time.
Bind off the remaining sts when the piece measures 12-13-14-15-16-18 cm / 4¾"-5⅛"-5½"-6"-6¼"-7".

Assembly: Sew the shoulders. Sew in the sleeves and then sew the sides and the sleeve together.

Rib: pick up approx 344-368-384-416-440-464 sts (divisible by 4) along the whole edge on circular needles size 3.5 mm / US 4 with Alpaca (begin mid back) – Note: Make sure to pick up enough sts (28-28-30-30-32-32 sts) between the markers on both front pieces so that the rib doesn't become too tight.
Work rounds as follows: P 1 round, K 1 round and continue in rib.
When the rib measures 3 cm / 1⅛" change to Vivaldi.
Work 4 rounds of stockinette sts and bind off loosely.
To ensure the edge doesn't become too tight make a yo after every 8th st while binding off (knit and bind off the yo's as sts).

The cardigan may be held together with a pin, a kilt pin or a brooch.

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