Françoise Cardigan by Mrs Funny Valentine is a top-down knitted cardigan with tailored shoulders and a deep V-neck. Inspired by Françoise Hardy, the design blends classic structure with subtle individuality.
The cardigan is knitted with 3.0 mm and 2.75 mm needles and can be made in two versions: a soft Nordic style using wool and silk mohair held together, or a bold color-blocked version worked with intarsia technique. The hem can be finished split or closed, allowing for personal customization.
Françoise Cardigan is available in sizes XS to 5XL and is ideal for knitters who enjoy refined shaping and versatile wardrobe staples.
Françoise Cardigan is a timeless knitted cardigan designed by Mrs Funny Valentine and inspired by the quiet elegance and individuality of French icon Françoise Hardy. The design celebrates subtle rebellion, personal choice, and refined simplicity, resulting in a cardigan that feels classic yet quietly distinctive.
The cardigan is worked top-down with a tailored shoulder construction and a deep V-neckline. Knitting begins at the upper back, where shoulder shaping creates a clean and flattering fit. The fronts are then picked up and worked separately with mirrored neckline increases before all parts are joined at the underarm. The body is knitted flat and can be finished either with a split hem for added movement or as a closed hem for a more traditional silhouette.
Françoise Cardigan offers two distinct style options. The Nordic Basic Version is worked in a soft, understated fabric created by holding fingering-weight wool together with silk mohair, adding gentle texture and light sheen. The Faux-Marni Colored Version uses sport-weight wool in three contrasting colors and is worked with intarsia technique, creating bold graphic color blocks that transform the cardigan into a statement piece.
The cardigan is knitted using 3.0 mm and 2.75 mm needles. The Nordic version uses Kremke Soul Wool Merry Merino 220 GOTS held together with Kremke Soul Wool Silky Kid RMS. The Faux-Marni version uses Kremke Soul Wool Merry Merino 140 GOTS in three colors. Depending on size and version, total yarn usage ranges from approximately 1012 to 1945 meters. This corresponds to a running length of 220 meters per 50 grams for Merry Merino 220 and 140 meters per 50 grams for Merry Merino 140.
Françoise Cardigan is available in women’s sizes XS, S, M (L, XL, 2XL) 3XL, 4XL, 5XL. Finished chest measurements after blocking range from approximately 82.5 cm to 157.5 cm, with positive ease included for a comfortable fit.
The blocked gauge is 25 stitches and 32 rows per 10 cm in stockinette stitch using 3.0 mm needles. Maintaining gauge ensures the cardigan’s tailored structure and clean lines.
Françoise Cardigan is suited for intermediate knitters who enjoy thoughtful construction, customization options, and garments that balance elegance with individuality. The result is a versatile cardigan that adapts effortlessly to both quiet and bold personal styles.
I’m Miriam, the mind and heart behind MrsFunnyValentine. I design feminine, minimalist knitwear with soft aesthetic but bold details. My patterns are inspired by strong women and made for busy lives that crave beauty, calm and confidence. I learned to knit at age 10 from my grandmother, and it has been my creative anchor ever since.
