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This is the cozy cardigan that you will reach for anytime there is a chill in the air. It's knit on large needles and from the top down for quick results and minimal seaming.
Simple vine lace panels create a pretty accent in the front, along with the uniquely gathered patch pockets. A boldly defined ribbed waist, nicely shaped generous collar, and slightly wide, easy sleeves makes sure that this bulky knit is most flattering to wear,
Lots of buttons down the front allow you to keep warm or let the jacket hang loose.
And with the top-down design, you can adjust the length of the body and sleeves as you see fit! This sample has slightly shorter bracelet-length sleeves. Just add a few rows for regular length sleeves.
The yarn used is Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky, which comes in 79 gorgeous colors (at last count!).
See it discussed on the SweaterBabe.com Blog.
For the OPTIONAL Top-Down Cardigan Techniques PDF Download, please visit this page. Written instructions are included in this pattern, but the OPTIONAL download may be helpful to some.
Fave/Queue this pattern on Ravelry.
Finished Knit Measurements: Written for sizes Small (Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large) or Bust Sizes 32-34 (36-38, 40-42, 42-44, 46-48)" [81.5-86.5 (91.5-96.5, 101.5-106.5, 106.5-112, 117-122) cm]. Finished Knit Chest Size: 40 (44 ½, 48, 51, 55)" [101.5 (113, 122, 129.5, 140) cm].
Skill Level: Pattern is written for Intermediate level knitters, but an Easy level knitting may purchase the separate Techniques PDF download, which has full-color photos of all the special techniques used in the pattern. See below.
Yarn Used: Brown Sheep Company Lamb's Pride Bulky (85% Wool/15% Mohair); 4 oz/113 g [125 yds/114 m] per skein): 8 (8, 8, 8, 9) skeins in Deep Charcoal #M-06.
Gauge(s):
Pattern Gauge: 8 stitches = 3" [7.5cm] and approx. 17 rows = 4" [10 cm] in St st on size 11 [8mm] needles.
Yarn Label Gauge and Information: A bulky weight yarn in a soft wool/mohair blend
a gauge of 3 stitches = 1" on size 10-1/2 [6.5mm] needles..
Total Yardage Required: approximately 1000 (1000, 1000, 1000, 1125) yds [912 (912, 912, 912, 1026) m].
Some suggested yarn substitutes to try:
Patons Shetland Chunky
Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Lion Brand Wool-Ease Chunky
Malabrigo Yarn Chunky
Schachenmayr Nomotta Boston
If you have a yarn substitute to suggest for this project, email us!
Knitting Needles Used: 24 to 32" long (or longer) circular needle in Size 11 [8mm] OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE (there are too many stitches to knit on straight needles);
1-16" long circular needle or set of double pointed needles in Size 11 [8mm] OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE (if you wish to work the sleeves in the round);
2 cable needles or short double-pointed needles in size 11 [8mm] or smaller (for creating pleats in pockets).
Please note: SweaterBabe.com patterns are authorized for home use only and are not to be knit/crocheted for resale. All pattern sales are final.
Posted by kathy on 27th Jun 2015
This sweater is very easy to make. I am an intermediate knitter and was so impressed at how well this sweater turned out. The directions were extremely clear and precise. A joy to knit.
Posted by Unknown on 26th Jan 2014
very explicit instructions but being Canadian, had trouble figuring out the abbreviations. Challenging but nearly finished and so far am happy with the results. You do need to read it through before you start. I am making the sleeves much slimmer and full length but that was easy to change.
Posted by V on 18th Nov 2013
My first top-down item and I've just completed the first few rows. Pattern is well written with good detail for any unusual bits - eg pocket pleating. Looks like a fast knit and what a bonus to have next to no sewing!!
Posted by DJNL on 4th Oct 2013
Needed a very fast-to-knit sweater to knit with some bulky yarn I recently spun and have wanted to try a top-down knit...both in this one pattern. Pattern was easy to follow and was well written - now if the weather will just cooperate so I can wear it.
Posted by Sandy on 29th Sep 2013
I plan on working this pattern with bulky yarn, and also a strand or two of worsted weight, to make an extra heavy knit coat for our cold Michigan winters. I plan to make it a little longer as well. Looks like just the pattern I was looking for.
Posted by Katharine on 29th Sep 2013
I love this cardigan!
I knitted it in a fluffy chunky yarn and made it extra long in the sleeves and body as I am quite tall and can rarely find knitwear that's long enough. It is always admired when I wear it and people only know I've knitted it myself because of the extra length!
Posted by marilyn on 29th Aug 2013
I was looking for a pattern that would be fairly quick to make and also very useful for the cold winter months.I do believe I have found it.
Posted by Lynette on 4th Jul 2013
WILL BE STARTING MY CARDIGAN THIS WEEKEND AND CANNOT WAIT TO SEE HOW IT GOES WITH THE TOP DOWN PATTERN BUT LOOKS EASY ENOUGH TO FOLLOW
Posted by Nicole on 4th Feb 2013
I am wonderfully surprised by how well this pattern was written, it is my first one from Sweater Babe but I will probably use more now! There were quite a few pages to print but it was because of the row by row detail, guaranteed not to allow you to make a mistake! And for this particular pattern, I love that it is top down so I can keep knitting until the yarn runs out :D