(TEST IS FULL) TEST CALL: Layan Cardigan

TEST IS NOW FULL.

Deadline: 1-Mar-26

We're starting a test for #layancardigan - fingering weight cabled cardigan worked seamlessly from the top down.

Note that this is an intermediate difficulty pattern. Ability to read charts is required.

We're looking for testers of each size (each size will have a maximum of five testers) who can complete this project by the 1st of March, 2026.

It’s mostly first-come, first-served, but make sure your Ravelry projects are current so I can easily see your previous work when you register.

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

Finished chest circumference: 

• 91.5 (101, 111.5, 121, 131.5, 141, 151.5, 161, 171.5) cm
• 36.75 (40.5, 44.75, 48.5, 52.75, 56.5, 60.75, 64.5, 68.75)”

Designed to be worn with 10-15 cm / 4-6” positive ease around the chest.

To choose the most appropriate size, measure the wearer's chest and add the preferred ease. Or measure the circumference of an already-owned sweater that fits well. Then find the closest finished chest circumference. 

For those with a bust size larger than a C cup, it's advisable to use the upper bust measurement plus the desired ease to ensure the sweater fits well around the shoulders, with slightly less ease around the full bust.

To apply for testing, please fill out this form: https://go.zaneteknits.com/apply-to-test

Other details of the design:

Yarn: Fingering weight yarn. Depending on the length of the cardigan, allow approximately:

• 1145 (1215, 1330, 1440, 1530, 1615, 1735, 1830, 1960) m 
• 1250 (1330, 1455, 1575, 1675, 1765, 1900, 2005, 2140) yds 

Yarn used in the sample (size 2) is 4 skeins of Bar A Tricot Champagne 2.0 (70% Silk, 20% Mohair / 10% Nylon; 400 m [440 yds] / 100 g) in colourway Sandstorm.

Difficulty: Intermediate. Ability to read cable charts is required.

Gauge: 22 sts & 30 rows = 10 cm / 4” in stockinette on larger needles, worked flat and in the round, blocked.

• Width of  Main Cable: 7.5 cm / 3” 

Remember to make a swatch and ensure you get the required gauge. If your gauge is different to the one stated above, adjust the needle size. Block your swatch the same way you plan to block the cardigan and let it fully dry before measuring the gauge.

Suggested needles: 

• 3.5 mm (US 4) or needle size that gets the gauge for main fabric; circulars with sharp tips, 60-100 cm / 24-40″ long and (optional) DPNs for small circumference knitting
• 2.75 mm (US 2) or 2 sizes smaller than gauge needle for ribbing.

Notions: Stitch markers, locking markers, row counter, spare circular needle in smaller size, contrasting waste yarn, tape measure, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle, 8-12 18-25 mm / ¾ -1” buttons.

Techniques used: Lifted increases, cable knitting, Backwards loop cast-on, knitting in the round, 3-Needle bind-off, Tubular cast-on, Tubular bind-off.

Construction notes: The cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down. It starts by casting on stitches for the back neckline and shaping the shoulders using lifted increases.  

Stitches are then picked up along the back shoulders to create the front shoulders, working each side separately with increases to shape the front neckline.  

Next, stitches for sleeves are picked up along the front shoulder edges, and the yoke is worked in one piece down to the underarm. Increases are added along the sleeves and body during this section.  

The sleeves are separated, and the body is worked in one piece down to the desired length.  

The sleeves are worked separately in the round down to the cuffs.  

The neckband is added by picking up stitches along the neckline and working flat to double the desired height and joined to the base using 3-Needle bind-off.

Finally, double-knit button bands are added by picking up stitches along the front opening edges, incorporating vertical buttonholes.