Knitwear Dreams: Replicating That Chic Studded Cardigan in Soft Alpaca

As we begin to feel the chills, let’s try knitting our own very stylish cardigan, taking inspiration from the Never Fully Dressed Ice Blue Studded Cardigan.

We all have those moments scrolling through fashion feeds where one piece just stops us. Lately, that piece has been the effortlessly chic, sky-blue cardigan spotted on our favorite style influencers.

It’s everything we want in knitwear: cozy, slightly cropped, and that gorgeous, delicate blue. But the true showstopper? The subtle gold stud detailing scattered across the shoulders and back, giving a sweet, soft knit a perfect touch of edge!

If you’re a knitter, you know the best way to get a designer look is to make it yourself. Let’s break down how we can recreate this style, focusing on that luxurious soft alpaca blend and that perfect blue hue.


The Inspiration: Soft Blue & Subtle Studs

The cardigan is a short, round-neck style with an easy button front, featuring a relaxed fit that still manages to look sharp when paired with tailored pieces. The texture suggests a light, fuzzy yarn, perfect for an alpaca or mohair blend, giving it that soft halo and warm, cloud-like feel.


Gathering Your Gourmet Materials

To achieve this luxurious DIY look, selecting the right materials is key. We need a yarn that mimics that fluffy, soft texture and the perfect pale blue shade, plus the metallic accents.

The Materials Flat-Lay:

Yarn Selection:

To get the signature softness and halo of the inspiration piece, look for a yarn with:

  • Fiber: High content of Alpaca, Baby Alpaca, or Mohair for softness and fuzziness.
  • Weight: DK (Double Knitting) or a heavy Sport weight will give you the fine but structured gauge of the original.
  • Color Match: The color is a dreamy pale sky-blue (think ice blue or periwinkle).

The Hardware:

The metallic accents truly make this cardigan. You will need small, pyramid-shaped or conical gold studs to apply once the knitting is finished.


Essential DIY Details: Construction & Embellishment

This is where your knitting skills come in! Here is the conceptual process:

(Insert image of the hand knitting the blue cardigan with studs nearby here, generated previously.)

  1. The Fit: Choose a simple DK-weight cardigan pattern and aim for a slight crop, finishing just below the natural waistline.
  2. The Neckline: The subtle ruffle or rolled edge at the collar is a charming detail. A simple picked-up border knit in garter stitch or a small picot bind-off can achieve this dainty look.
  3. Applying the Studs: Once your knitting is complete, it’s time for the bling!
    • Technique: Use hotfix studs (applied with heat, usually a small applicator tool) or prong-back studs(pushed through the knit fabric and bent to secure).
    • Placement: Carefully study the inspiration image to replicate the placement—they are scattered randomly but concentrated over the upper back and top of the sleeves, creating a beautiful metallic shimmer.

Styling Your Hand-Knit Creation

Your handmade cardigan is not just a piece of clothing; it’s a statement! Style it like our fashion muse for an effortlessly elevated look:

  • Edgy Elegance: Pair your finished knit with a high-waisted, flowy midi skirt (like the brown suede one shown) and boots for a perfect contrast of soft texture and structured tailoring.
  • Casual Cool: Throw it on over a simple white tee and your favorite wide-leg denim for a relaxed but polished everyday look.

Happy knitting! What step are you most excited to start on this project?

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