A slightly oversized alpaca cardigan is the ultimate cozy layer you'll reach for again and again.

This one has some lovely detailing and a top-down design so you can enjoy a seamless knitting project. The dolman-shaped sleeves allow it to be worn over many sleeve shapes and the knit-in pockets are fun and functional.

The open front is framed with a beautifully textured cable and lace patterned collar that extends into the front bands.

The unique one-piece construction begins at the back collar, where you knit from the center out in the cable and lace pattern. Stitches are then picked up along the bottom edge of the collar to begin the top-down portion. The ends of the collar become the ends of each row as you work down towards the bottom hem.

At the underarm, the sleeves are put on hold as the body is continued down to the hem. Sleeves are then knit down in the round (or in rows, if you prefer) with decreases to create the dolman shape and narrow to the ribbed cuff.

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Finished Blocked Measurements: 41 ½ (43 ½, 48, 52 ¾, 58 ½, 63 ¼)" [105.5 (110, 122, 134, 148.5, 160.5) cm] around at bustline based on (BACK WIDTH + SLEEVE) doubled. TO FIT SIZES: XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X) or Bust Sizes 28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50)" [71-76 (81.5-86.5, 91.5-96.5, 101.5-106.5, 112-117, 122-127) cm]. Full schematic included in pattern.

Skill Level:  

Yarn Used: Garnstudio DROPS Puna (100% Alpaca); 1.75 oz/50 g [120 yds/110 m] per ball: 11 (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) balls in Natural Mix #06 Gray.

Gauge(s):
Pattern Gauges: 20 sts = 28 rows = 4" [10 cm] in St st, blocked; 22 sts = 3 ¼" [8.5 cm] with 18 sts of Cable Lace + 4 sts of Moss St, blocked.
Yarn Label Gauge and Information: A dk-weight in a soft alpaca blend with a suggested gauge of 21 sts x 28 rows = 4" [10 cm] on size US 6 [4 mm] needles.

Approximate Total Yardage Required: 1310 (1415, 1510, 1615, 1740, 1880) yds [1204 (1300, 1387, 1484, 1599, 1727) m].

Some suggested yarn substitutes to try:
Indiecita Alpaca DK, The Alpaca Yarn Co. Classic Alpaca, Artesano DK 100% Pure Superfine Alpaca, Classic Elite Yarns Inca Alpaca, Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca DK, DROPS Lima, Sandnes Garn Alpakka, The Fibre Co. Acadia, Garnstudio DROPS Karisma Uni Color, Madelinetosh Tosh DK, Berroco Vintage DK, ColourMart Extra Fine Merino 12/30NM Super DK Weight, Knit Picks Swish DK, Malabrigo Yarn Silky Merino, Rohrspatz & Wollmeise Merino DK, Miss Babs Yowza, Garnstudio DROPS Lima, Garnstudio DROPS Cotton Merino
If you have a yarn substitute to suggest for this project, email us!

Knitting Needles Used: Size 6 [4 mm] 36" [90 cm] or longer circular knitting needle OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE; OPTIONAL: Size 6 [4 mm] set of DPNs OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE if working SLEEVES in the round. 

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