Kaka Sweater

A bold summer sweater from Kiniki Knits — the Kākā is a cropped V-neck pullover with a relaxed silhouette, drop shoulders, and a striking lacework panel on the front that gives it real presence. Designed for warmer weather in cotton yarn, it's a sweater that earns its place in a summer wardrobe: lightweight, breathable, and visually interesting without being fussy. Other fibres can also be used if you prefer a different hand or drape.

The construction is clean and logical. The body is worked in the round from the bottom up to the armholes, where the front and back are divided and worked flat. Shoulder shaping is created by gradually increasing the width of each piece from the underarm to the shoulder seam — the only seaming required. After joining at the shoulders, stitches are picked up around the neckline to work the V-neckband, and the sleeves are worked top-down in the round from picked-up stitches at the armhole. The lace panel on the front is worked from a chart and is the centrepiece of the design.

Rated intermediate to advanced — knitters should be comfortable following a lace chart. The construction itself is approachable; it's the lacework that earns the difficulty rating.

Pattern Details

• Designer: Kiniki Knits (Queenstown, NZ)
• Garment: Women's Cropped V-Neck Sweater (drop shoulders, lace front panel)
• Yarn Weight: Aran / 10 ply cotton (or 4 ply held double)
• Gauge: 18–19 sts × 22–24 rows per 10 cm in stockinette

Size & Yardage Guide

Yardage is for yarn held single. Double the quantity if using a 4 ply yarn held double.

Please note: this listing is for the knitting pattern only. Yarn and needles are not included.