A chic cowl neck sweater pattern that is oh so sleek and slimming. It's worked from the top down, beginning with a gorgeously lush cabled cowl neck. The braided cable pattern used is deceptively easy to knit, but creates a very eye-catching design.

Then, a bold lace panel embellishes the front of the sweater, bringing the eye up and down for a slimming effect. Shaping along the waist ensures a flattering, and sexy fit.

Shown above with 3/4 length, flared sleeves and generous cabled cuffs. A second version with short cap sleeves, which can be worn as a great layering piece like a vest, is also included in this pattern. (see photo at left and close-up below).

Knit in a soft wool blend called Swish Bulky from Knit Picks.

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.

Some blog posts on this pattern http://blog.sweaterbabe.com/knitting/90-chic-cowl-neck-sweater/ - if you have questions on this pattern, please check here first.

Fave/Queue this pattern on Ravelry.

Finished Knit Measurements: At Bust: 30 ¼ (31 ¾, 36 ¼, 40 ¼, 43 ¾, 48 ¼, 52)" [77 (80.5, 92, 102, 111, 122.5, 132) cm] TO FIT SIZES: XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X) or Bust Sizes 28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50, 52-54)" [71-76 (81.5-86.5, 91.5-96.5, 101.5-106.5, 112-117, 122-127, 132-137) cm].

Skill Level:

Yarn Used: Knit Picks Swish Bulky (100% Superwash Merino Wool); 3.5 oz/100 g [137 yds/125 m] per hank): 7 (7, 9, 9, 10, 10, 11) hanks in Squirrel Heather #23511 for LONGER-SLEEVE VERSION; 5 (5, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9) hanks for SHORT-SLEEVE VERSION.

Gauge(s):
Pattern Gauge: 10 sts = 3" [7.5 cm] and 14 rows = 3" [7.5 cm] in St st on Size 10 ¾ [7 mm] needles.
Yarn Label Gauge and Information: A bulky weight yarn with a gauge of 3 - 3.75 sts = 1" on US size 10 - 11 needles.

Total Yardage Required: Approximately 959 (959, 1233, 1233, 1370, 1370, 1507) yds [875 (875, 1125, 1125, 1250, 1250, 1375) m] for LONGER-SLEEVE VERSION; 685 (685, 959, 959, 1096, 1096, 1233) yds [625 (625, 875, 875, 1000, 1000, 1125)] for SHORT-SLEEVE VERSION.

Some suggested yarn substitutes to try:
Elann Lana - Silk/Wool
Elann Peruvian Highland Bulky Wool
Berroco Foliage
Cascade Yarns 128 Superwash 
Misti Alpaca Chunky 
Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk Aran 
Malabrigo Yarn Chunky 
Cascade Yarns Venezia Bulky 
Cascade Yarns Baby Alpaca Chunky 
Misti Alpaca Tonos Chunky 
Lion Brand Alpine Wool B
erroco Vintage™ Chunky 
madelinetosh tosh chunky 
If you have a yarn substitute to suggest for this project, email us!

Knitting Needles Used: 1 - 24" long circular knitting needle in Size 10 ¾ [7 mm] OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE;
OPTIONAL (If you wish to knit sleeves in the round): 1 set of double pointed needles OR 1 - 12" long circular knitting needle in Size 10 ¾ [7 mm] OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE.

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