This cropped cardigan features a simple edging along the bottom and sleeves that creates small scallops. Merino Stripes makes the color changes for you since it is a self-striping yarn.

Sizes:
S (M, L, XL) - Finished Chest Size 36 (40, 44, 48)"

Gauge:
14 sts and 19.5 rows=4" in stockinette

Materials:
Crystal Palace Bamboo Needles or Daisy Needles, Size 10 US (6 mm) Single Point or size needed to obtain gauge
Crystal Palace Bamboo Circular Needles or Daisy Circular Needles, Size 10 US (6 mm) 26" or 29"  or size needed to obtain gauge.
Crystal Palace Crochet Hook Size H-8 (5 mm)
Tapestry needle
4 (4, 5, 5) 50 gr balls Merino Stripes (Color A) - Color 061, "Seascapes" 90% Merino wool/10% acrylic
 Merino Stripes is a brushed wool blend yarn that is self-striping. Three colors are combined in each ball.
1 (1, 1, 2) 50 gr balls Merino Frappe (Color B) - 102, "Cornflower" for trim.
80% Australian Merino/20% nylon

Instructions:

Lace Pattern Stitch (trim for bottom edge and cuffs)
Rows 1 & 3 (WS): Purl
Row 2: k3, *yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo, k1; rep from *, end k1
Row 4: k2, *yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo, k1; rep from *, end k2

Back
With Color B, CO 67 (76, 85, 94) sts. Work in Lace Pattern Stitch 4 rows.
Change to Color A and St st.
WS: Dec 3 (6, 7, 8) sts evenly across first row - 64 (70, 78, 86) sts
Work in St st until piece sure measures 6" from the start of Color A.
BO 5 sts beg next 2 rows.
Dec 1 st at each end every other row 4 (6, 8, 9) times as follows:
K1, SSK, k across to last 3 sts, k2tog, k2 - 46 (48, 52, 58) sts
Cont to work even in St st until armhole measures 8½ (8½, 9, 9½)".
BO 4 (4, 5, 6) sts beg next 2 rows, then BO 5 (5, 6, 7) sts beg next 2 rows.
Place rem 28 (30, 30, 32) sts on holder for back of neck.

Right Front
With Color B, CO 40 (40, 49, 49) sts. Work in Lace Pattern Stitch 4 rows.
Change to Color A and St st.
WS: Dec 11 (8, 13, 9) sts evenly across first row - 29 (32, 36, 40) sts
Work in St st until piece measures 6" from the start of Color A.
Next row (WS): At armhole edge, BO 5 sts. P across row. Dec 1 st at armhole every other row 4 (6, 8, 9) times.
At same time, dec 1 st at neck edge every other row 4 (5, 5, 5) times, then every 4th row 7 (7, 7, 8) times.
Cont to work even in St st until armhole measures 8½ (8½, 9, 9½)".
BO shoulders as for Back.

Left Front
As for Right Front, reversing shaping.

Sleeves
With Color B, CO 31 (31, 40, 40) sts. Work in Lace Pattern Stitch 8 rows.
Change to Color A and St st.
WS: Dec 5 (3, 6, 4) sts evenly across first row - 26 (28, 34, 36) sts
Next row (RS): Working in St st, inc 1 st each end every 4th row 7 (5, 4, 8) times, then every 6th row 8 (9, 9, 7) times - 56 (56, 60, 66) sts.
Work even until sleeve measures 18 (18, 18½, 18½)" from beg. BO 5 sts beg next 2 rows.
Dec 1 st at each end every other row 17 (17, 19, 21) times as follows: K1, SSK, k across to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 BO 12 (12, 12, 14) sts.

Edging
Seam shoulders. With circular needles, Color B, and RS facing, beginning at lower Right edge, pick up 65 (65, 67, 69) sts along Right Front edge, k 28 (30, 30, 32) sts from Back neck holder, pick up 65 (65, 67, 69) sts along Left Front edge. Working back and forth, k 4 rows. BO.

Finishing
Sew in sleeves. Seam sleeves and side seams. Weave in ends on WS.

Button Loop
With Color A and RS facing, working on left edge, insert hook through BO edge at point where neck shaping began. Yarn over hook and pull up a loop. Ch 5. Remove loop from hook. Insert hook through BO edge 3 sts down (toward CO edge). Place loop back on hook. Yarn over hook and pull through loop and knit edge. Ch 1, turn.
Work sc around chain tightly: With working yarn on far side of chain, insert hook under ch, yarn over hook, bring hook to near side of chain (2 loops on hook), yarn over hook and pull through 2 loops on hook.
End with slip st into beginning insertion point.

Crocheted Button
With Color A, leaving a 12" tail, make a slip knot, ch 3. Join with slip st to 1st ch to form ring.
Work 4 sc in ring.
Work 2 sc in each sc - 8 sc
Sc2tog across- 4 sc
Fasten off, leaving a second 12" tail.
With tapestry needle, thread first tail through center and stuff in button.
Thread second tail. Baste and pull in each sc to tighten and close button. Use remaining tail to sew on right edging, aligning with button loop.

Alternatives
Use no button at all. You can also use a pin instead, a loop and a commercial button, or I-cord that is either attached or sewn on.

For more designs by Barbara Breiter see her web site www.knitabit.net

copyright 2006 Crystal Palace Yarns/Straw Into Gold, Inc. - We are happy to share this  pattern with knitters. The pattern may be used for non-commercial personal or knitting guild use. It is not to be used in any publication in print nor should it be reproduced in electronic/digital format without permission. Knitting Shops carrying Crystal Palace Yarns Merino Stripes are welcome to use this free patterns for their customers.