Layan Cardigan

The construction is worked seamlessly from the top down, with the sleeves worked simultaneously alongside the yoke. This approach means there is very little picking up of stitches required and gives you the opportunity to try the cardigan on as you go to check the fit.

The design features a very simple and intuitive cable pattern that runs throughout the garment. After the initial shoulder shaping is established, the cables fall into a repetitive rhythm that makes for a relaxing and straightforward project.

The result is a timeless piece with a delicate fabric that is both elegant and easy to wear.

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.

Gauge

Stockinette on larger needles, worked flat and in the round, blocked.

Width of  Main Cable: slightly under 7.5 cm / 3”

Yardage

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 in Sample

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.

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

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

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.