Vines cardigan: Knitty Deep Fall 2010

by Lori Versaci

Initially designed to be a multi-textured wrap-yourself-up-in sweater, I became so enamored with the look of the “Fractured Lattice” pattern stitch, I just had to continue it.

Made from an extremely soft yarn, Fresco by Classic Elite Yarns (wool with some alpaca and angora mixed in to give it a soft feel and elegant look), it can be worn with a big collared shirt or nothing at all underneath. Raven, the model, chose an everyday dress of her own design with her mother’s original (vintage) Frye boots! I think of it worn with a big print skirt and pearls for a date or with jeans for a Saturday afternoon curl-up with a book.

Nonetheless, this sweater is not for the knitter who likes instant gratification! It is a labor of love, knit on #5/3.75 mm needles and lots of twist stitches. And the work pays off in the end, with a sweater that has the flexibility to be both classic and modern.

model: Raven Lewis

photos: Lori Versaci

SIZE
XS[S, M, L, 1XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL] Shown in size M.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest: 34[38.5, 41, 44, 48, 52, 57.5, 62] inches
Length: 22[22.75, 23.5, 23.75, 24, 25.25, 27, 28.5] inches
Note: Body of sweater is intended to be loose-fitting; sleeves are more close-fitting.

MATERIALS
Yarn
Classic Elite Yarns Fresco [60% wool, 30% baby alpaca, 10% angora; 164yd/150m per 50g skein]; color: #5355, Rumba Red; 8[9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 13, 14] skeins

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below -- every knitter's gauge is unique]
1 US #4/3.5mm circular needle, 32 inches or longer
1 US #5/3.75mm circular needle, 32 inches or longer

Notions
Stitch markers
Row counter (optional)
Stitch holders
Yarn needle
11 buttons, 0.5 inch diameter
Note: Buy buttons after sweater is complete to ensure correct size.

GAUGE
28 sts/36 rows = 4” in Fractured Lattice Pattern using larger needle, after blocking

PATTERN NOTES
[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]

This pattern utilizes left twists and right twists extensively. Below is Barbara Walker’s method for working these twists.

LT (Left Twist): K into back of second st on left needle, without dropping st from left needle; k first 2 sts on left needle together through back loops, drop both sts from left needle.

RT (Right Twist): K2tog, but do not drop sts from left needle; k into front loop of first st on left needle, drop both sts from left needle.

Fractured Lattice Pattern (Worked over a multiple of 8 sts):
Row 1 [RS]: [LT, k2, LT, RT] to end.
Even-Numbered Rows 2-8 [WS]: P all sts.
Row 3 [WS]: [K1, LT, k2, RT, k1] to end.
Row 5 [RS]: [RT, LT, RT, k2] to end.
Row 7 [RS]: K3, [LT, k2, RT, k2] to last 5 sts, LT, k3.
Repeat Rows 1-8 for Fractured Lattice Pattern.

Fractured Lattice Pattern for Left Front (Worked over a multiple of 8 sts + 6):
Row 1 [RS]: [LT, k2, LT, RT] to last 6 sts, LT, k2, LT.
Even-Numbered Rows 2-8 [WS]: P all sts.
Row 3 [WS]: [K1, LT, k2, RT, k1] to last 6 sts, k1, LT, k3.
Row 5 [RS]: [RT, LT, RT, k2] to last 6 sts, RT, LT, RT.
Row 7 [RS]: K3, [LT, k2, RT, k2] to last 3 sts, LT, k1.
Repeat Rows 1-8.

Fractured Lattice Pattern for Right Front (Worked over a multiple of 8 sts + 6):
Row 1 [RS]: K2, LT, RT, [LT, k2, LT, RT] to end.
Even-Numbered Rows 2-8 [WS]: P all sts.
Row 3 [WS]: K3, RT, k1, [k1, LT, k2, RT, k1] to end.
Row 5 [RS]: LT, RT, k2, [RT, LT, RT, k2] to end.
Row 7 [RS]: K1, [LT, k2, RT, k2] to last 5 sts, LT, k3.

Shaping Note: When increasing or decreasing at edges of piece while working Fractured Lattice Pattern, if there are not enough sts to work a LT or RT in pattern, work those sts in stockinette st instead. Remember to always keep 1 st at each edge of piece in reverse stockinette st.

DIRECTIONS
BACK
Using smaller needle, CO 122[138, 146, 154, 162, 178, 194, 210] sts.

Row 1 [WS]: K1, p1, k2, [p2, k2] to last 2 sts, p1, k1.

Row 2 [RS]: P1, k1, p2, [k2, p2] to last 2 sts, k1, p1.

Repeat these 2 rows nine times more.

Next Row [WS]: Using larger needle, k1, p to last st, k1.
Continuing with larger needle, work 100 rows in Fractured Lattice Pattern, ending with a WS row. Work measures approx. 13.5 inches.

Note: If you are considering altering the lower body length, note that the yoke is very deep. See full sweater length measurements given above. Also, note that changing lower body length will affect buttonhole placement and/or number of buttons needed.

Shape Armholes:
BO 6[7, 8, 8, 10, 11, 11, 11] sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 110[124, 130, 138, 142, 156, 172, 188] sts.

Next Row [RS]: P1, k2tog, work in pattern to last 3 sts, ssk, p1.

Work 1 row in pattern.

Repeat these 2 rows 3[6, 9, 10, 11, 17, 25, 32] times more. 102[110, 110, 116, 118, 120, 120, 122] sts.

Shape Right Back Neckline:
Row 1 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 41[45, 45, 47, 48, 49, 49, 50] sts in pattern, W&T. Place center 12[12, 12, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14] sts on one st holder, and last 45[49, 49, 51, 52, 53, 53, 54] sts on a second holder for left back neckline. 44[48, 48, 50, 51, 52, 52, 53] sts on needle (including wrapped st).

Even-Numbered Rows 2-16: P to last st, k1.

Row 3 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 31[35, 35, 36, 37, 38, 38, 39] sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 5 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 23[26, 26, 27, 28, 29, 29, 30] sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 7 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 17[19, 19, 20, 21, 22, 22, 23] sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 9 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 12[14, 14, 15, 16, 16, 16, 17] sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 11 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 9[9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10, 11] sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 13 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 5[5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 6] sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 15 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 2 sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 17 [RS]: BO 1 st, k1. 2 sts on right needle. Break yarn and place remaining 36[40, 40, 42, 43, 44, 44, 45] sts of right back on st holder.

Shape Left Back Neckline:
Place held sts of left back neckline on needle with RS facing and join yarn at edge of sts closest to center.
Odd-Numbered Rows 1-15 [RS]: Work in pattern to last 3 sts, ssk, p1.
Row 2 [WS]: K1, p32[36, 36, 37, 38, 39, 39, 40], W&T.
Row 4 [WS]: K1, p24[27, 27, 28, 29, 30, 30, 31], W&T.
Row 6 [WS]: K1, p18[20, 20, 21, 22, 23, 23, 24], W&T.
Row 8 [WS]: K1, p13[15, 15, 16, 17, 17, 17, 18], W&T.
Row 10 [WS]: K1, p10[10, 10, 10, 11, 11, 11, 12], W&T.
Row 12 [WS]: K1, p6[6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7], W&T.
Row 14 [WS]: K1, p3, W&T.
Row 16 [WS]: BO 1 st, p1. 2 sts on right needle. Break yarn. Place all 84[92, 92, 98, 100, 102, 102, 104] sts of back on st holder. (36[40, 40, 42, 43, 44, 44, 45] sts each for right and left sides, 12[12, 12, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14] sts for center.)

LEFT FRONT
Using smaller needle, CO 68[76, 84, 92, 100, 108, 116, 124] sts.

Row 1 [WS]: K1, [p1, k1] six times, place marker, k1, [p2, k2] to last 2 sts, p1, k1.

Row 2 [RS]: P1, k1, [p2, k2] to 1 st before marker, p2, [k1, p1] to end.

Repeat these 2 rows nine times more. 13 sts at front edge form button band; work these sts in 1x1 Rib as set throughout.

Next Row [WS]: Switching to larger needle, work in pattern to marker, p to last st, k1.

Set-up Row [RS]: P1, work in Fractured Lattice Pattern for Left Front (see Pattern Notes) to marker, work in pattern to end.
Work 99 rows in Fractured Lattice Pattern and 1x1 Rib as set, ending with a WS row.

Shape Armhole and Neckline:
Row 1 [RS]: BO 6[7, 8, 8, 10, 11, 11, 11] sts, work in pattern until there are 42[49, 52, 60, 66, 73, 81, 95] sts on right needle (20[20, 24, 24, 24, 24, 24, 16] sts remain on left needle), W&T.

Even-Numbered Rows 2-16 [WS]: P to last st, k1.

Row 3 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 31[38, 39, 47, 53, 60, 68, 82] sts in pattern, W&T.

Row 5 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 24[31, 32, 38, 44, 51, 59, 73] sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 7 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 18[24, 27, 31, 36, 44, 52, 64] sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 9 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 13[19, 22, 24, 29, 37, 47, 57] sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 11 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 9[14, 17, 19, 23, 32, 42, 50] sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 13 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 5[9, 13, 15, 18, 28, 38, 45] sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 15 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 2[6, 10, 12, 14, 24, 34, 40] sts in pattern, W&T.

Next Row [RS]: P1, k2tog, work in pattern to 1 st before previous wrapped stitch, W&T.
Next Row [WS]: P to last st, k1.
Repeat these 2 rows 0[2, 4, 5, 6, 11, 16, 19] times more.
With RS facing, BO 1 st. Place remaining 53[58, 63, 70, 75, 77, 80, 85] sts on st holder.

RIGHT FRONT
Using smaller needle, CO 68[76, 84, 92, 100, 108, 116, 124] sts.

Row 1 [WS]: K1, p1, [k2, p2] to last 14 sts, k1, place marker, [k1, p1] six times, k1.
Row 2 [RS]: P1, [k1, p1] six times, p1, [k2, p2] to last 2 sts, k1, p1.

These 2 rows set rib pattern for lower band. Work 5 more rows in pattern as set, ending with a WS row. 13 sts at front edge form buttonhole band; work these sts in 1x1 Rib as set throughout.

Buttonhole Row [RS]: [P1, k1] three times, yo, k2tog, work in pattern to end.

Important: As you work the right front, work Buttonhole Row every 16th row. Including buttonhole just worked, there will be a total of 8 buttonholes before armhole shaping.
Work 12 more rows in pattern, ending with a RS row.

Next Row [WS]: Switching to larger needle, k1, p to marker, work in pattern to end.

Set-up Row [RS]: Work in pattern to marker, work in Fractured Lattice Pattern for Right Front (see Pattern Notes) to last st, p1.

Work 100 rows in Fractured Lattice Pattern and 1x1 Rib as set, ending with a RS row. You will have worked 2 rows after last buttonhole. Work measures approx. 13.5 inches.

Shape Armhole and Neckline:
Row 1 [WS]: BO 6[7, 8, 8, 10, 11, 11, 11] sts, work in pattern until there are 42[49, 52, 60, 66, 73, 81, 95] sts on right needle (20[20, 24, 24, 24, 24, 24, 16] sts remain on left needle), W&T.
Even-Numbered Rows 2-16 [RS]: Work in pattern to last 3 sts, ssk, p1.
Row 3 [WS]: K1, p32[39, 40, 48, 54, 61, 69, 83], W&T.
Row 5 [WS]: K1, p25[32, 33, 39, 45, 52, 60, 74], W&T.
Row 7 [WS]: K1, p19[25, 28, 32, 37, 45, 53, 65], W&T.
Row 9 [WS]: K1, p14[20, 23, 25, 30, 38, 48, 58], W&T.
Row 11 [WS]: K1, p10[15, 18, 20, 24, 33, 43, 51], W&T.
Row 13 [WS]: K1, p6[10, 14, 16, 19, 29, 39, 46], W&T.
Row 15 [WS]: K1, p3[7, 11, 13, 15, 25, 35, 41], W&T.

Next Row [WS]: K1, p to 1 st before previous wrapped stitch, W&T.
Next Row [RS]: Work in pattern to last 3 sts, ssk, p1.
Repeat these 2 rows 0[2, 4, 5, 6, 11, 16, 19] times more.
With WS facing, BO 1 st. Place remaining 53[58, 63, 70, 75, 77, 80, 85] sts on st holder.
LEFT SLEEVE
**Using smaller needle, CO 62[66, 66, 70, 74, 78, 78, 82] sts.
Row 1 [WS]: K1, p1, k2, [p2, k2] to last 2 sts, p1, k1.
Row 2 [RS]: P1, k1, p2, [k2, p2] to last 2 sts, k1, p1.
Repeat these 2 rows nine times more.

Next Row [WS]: Using larger needle, k1, p to last st, k1.

Sizes XS, L, 2X, 3X Only:
Continuing with larger needle, establish pattern as follows:
Row 1 [RS]: P1, [LT, k2, LT, RT] to last 5 sts, LT, k2, p1.
Even-Numbered Rows 2-8 [WS]: K1, p to last st, k1.
Row 3 [WS]: P1, [k1, LT, k2, RT, k1] to last 5 sts, k1, LT, k1, p1.
Row 5 [RS]: P1, [RT, LT, RT, k2] to last 5 sts, RT, LT, p1.
Row 7 [RS]: P1, k3, [LT, k2, RT, k2] to last 2 sts, k1, p1.
These 8 rows set Fractured Lattice Pattern for sleeve.

Sizes S, M, 1X, 4X Only:
Continuing with larger needle, work 8 rows in Fractured Lattice Pattern, maintaining 1 st at each edge in reverse stockinette st.

All Sizes:
Increase Row [RS]: P1, m1, work in pattern to last st, m1, p1.
Work 9[9, 7, 7, 7, 5, 5, 5] rows in pattern, working increased sts into pattern.
Repeat these 10[10, 8, 8, 8, 6, 6, 6] rows 9[9, 11, 13, 14, 20, 21, 20] times more, then work Increase Row once more. 84[88, 92, 100, 106, 122, 124, 126] sts.

Continue in pattern until work measures 18.25, 18.25, 18.5, 18.5, 18.5, 18.5, 18.25, 18] inches or desired length to underarm, ending with a WS row.

Shape Sleeve Cap:
BO 6[7, 8, 8, 10, 11, 11, 11] sts at beginning of next 2 rows. 72[74, 76, 84, 86, 100, 102, 104] sts.**

Next Row [RS]: P1, k2tog, work in pattern to last 3 sts, ssk, p1.
Work 1 row in pattern.
Repeat these 2 rows 3[5, 7, 8, 9, 14, 23, 26] times more; for sizes 3X and 4X only, BO 1 st at beginning of last WS row. 64[62, 60, 66, 66, 70, 53, 49] sts.

Beginning at row indicated for your size, shape back of sleeve cap as follows. Note that all WS rows are worked as for Row 2.

Begin here for Size 4X:
Row 1 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 41 sts in pattern, W&T.
Even-Numbered Rows 2-26 [WS]: K1, p to last st, k1.
Row 3 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 37 sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 5 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 33 sts in pattern, W&T.

Begin here for Size 2X:
Row 7 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work -[-, -, -, -, 41, -, 29] sts in pattern, W&T.

Begin here for Sizes M, L, 1X, 3X:
Row 9 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work -[-, 34, 34, 34, 34, 34, 25] sts in pattern, W&T.

Begin here for Size S:
Row 11 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work -[27, 27, 27, 27, 27, 27, 21] sts in pattern, W&T.

Begin here for Size XS:
Row 13 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 21[21, 21, 21, 21, 21, 21, 18] sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 15 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 16[16, 16, 16, 16, 16, 16, 15] sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 17 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 12 sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 19 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 9 sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 21 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 6 sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 23 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 4 sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 25 [RS]: P1, k2tog, k2, W&T.
Row 27 [RS]: P1, k2tog, W&T.
Row 28 [WS]: P1, k1.
BO 1 st, break yarn. 56[53, 50, 56, 56, 59, 43, 35] sts.

For sizes 3X and 4X, place all sts on st holder.

For all other sizes, shape front of sleeve cap as follows:
With RS facing, slip first 39[36, 33, 39, 39, 42, -, -] sts from left needle to right needle, so that 17 sts remain on left needle.

Row 1 [RS]: Join yarn, work 14 sts in pattern, ssk, p1.
Row 2 [WS]: K1, p9, W&T.
Rows 3, 5 [RS]: Work in pattern to last 3 sts, ssk, p1.
Row 4 [WS]: K1, p4, W&T.
Row 6 [WS]: K1, p2, W&T.
Row 7 [RS]: Ssk, p1.
BO 1 st, break yarn. Place remaining 51[48, 45, 51, 51, 54, -, -] sts on st holder.

RIGHT SLEEVE
Work as for left sleeve from ** to ** (from beginning to underarm bind off).
Next Row [RS]: P1, k2tog, work in pattern to last 3 sts, ssk, p1.
Work 1 row in pattern.
Repeat these 2 rows 3[5, 7, 8, 9, 14, 23, 26] times more. 64[62, 60, 66, 66, 70, 54, 50] sts.

Sizes XS, X, M, L, 1X, 2X Only:
Shape front of sleeve cap as follows:
Row 1 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 14 sts in pattern, W&T.
Even-Numbered Rows 2-8 [WS]: P to last st, k1.
Row 3 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 8 sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 5 [RS]: P1, k2tog, work 3 sts in pattern, W&T.
Row 7 [RS]: P1, k2tog, k1, W&T.
Row 9 [WS]: P2, k1.
BO 1 st, break yarn. 59[57, 55, 61, 61, 65, -, -] sts.

With RS facing, slip first 30[20, 13, 18, 18, 15, -, -] sts from left needle to right needle, so that 29[37, 42, 43, 43, 50, -, -] sts remain on left needle. Join yarn, work in pattern to last 3 sts, ssk, p1. 58[56, 54, 60, 60, 64, -, -] sts.

Sizes 3X, 4X Only:
Next Row [RS]: BO 1 st, work in pattern to last 3 sts, ssk, p1. -[-, -, -, -, -, 52, 48] sts.

All Sizes:
Beginning at row indicated for your size, shape back of sleeve cap as follows. Note that all RS rows are worked as for Row 2.

Begin here for Size 4X:
Row 1 [WS]: K1, p41, W&T.
Even-Numbered Rows 2-24 [RS]: Work in pattern to last 3 sts, ssk, k1.
Row 3 [WS]: K1, p37, W&T.
Row 5 [WS]: K1, p33, W&T.

Begin here for Size 2X:
Row 7 [WS]: K1, p-[-, -, -, -, 41, -, 29], W&T.

Begin here for Sizes M, L, 1X, 3X:
Row 9 [WS]: K1, p-[-, 34, 34, 34, 34, 34, 25], W&T.

Begin here for Size S:
Row 11 [WS]: K1, p-[27, 27, 27, 27, 27, 27, 21], W&T.

Begin here for Size XS:
Row 13 [WS]: K1, p21[21, 21, 21, 21, 21, 21, 18], W&T.
Row 15 [WS]: K1, p16[16, 16, 16, 16, 16, 16, 15], W&T.
Row 17 [WS]: K1, p12, W&T.
Row 19 [WS]: K1, p9, W&T.
Row 21 [WS]: K1, p6, W&T.
Row 23 [WS]: K1, p4, W&T.
Row 25 [WS]: K1, p2, W&T.
Row 26 [RS]: Ssk, p1.
BO 1 st, break yarn. Place remaining 51[48, 45, 51, 51, 54, 43, 35] sts on st holder.
UPPER YOKE AND COLLAR
Sew sleeves to fronts and back along raglan seams. Place sts of all pieces on larger circular needle and join yarn at left front edge. 292[304, 308, 340, 352, 364, 348, 344] sts.
Sizes XS, S, M Only:
Row 1 [WS]: Work 13 sts of buttonhole band in 1x1 Rib as set, place marker, p to last 13 sts, place marker, work 13 sts of button band in 1x1 Rib as set.

Sizes L, 1X, 4X Only:
Row 1 [WS]: Work 13 sts of buttonhole band in 1x1 Rib as set, place marker, p-[-, -, 8, 5, -, -, 8], p2tog, [p-(-, -, 9, 7, -, -, 18), p2tog] -[-, -, 27, 35, -, -, 15] times, p-[-, -, 7, 4, -, -, 8], place marker, work 13 sts of button band in 1x1 Rib as set. -[-, -, 312, 316, -, -, 328] sts.

Size 2X Only:
Row 1 [WS]: Work 13 sts of buttonhole band in 1x1 Rib as set, place marker, p7, p2tog, [p6, p2tog, p5, p2tog] 21 times, p6, p2tog, p6, place marker, work 13 sts of button band in 1x1 Rib as set.

Size 3X Only:
Row 1 [WS]: Work 13 sts of buttonhole band in 1x1 Rib as set, place marker, [p11, p2tog] 24 times, p10, place marker, work 13 sts of button band in 1x1 Rib as set.

All Sizes:
Row 2 [RS]: Work in pattern to marker, k2, [p2, k2] to last marker, work in pattern to end.
Row 3 [WS]: Work in pattern to marker, p2, [k2, p2] to last marker, work in pattern to end.
These 2 rows set pattern for yoke.
Rows 4-13: Work all sts in pattern.
Row 14 [RS]: Work Buttonhole Row.
Rows 15-17: Work all sts in pattern.
Row 18 [RS]: Using smaller circular needle, work all sts in pattern.
Row 19 [WS]: Using larger circular needle, work all sts in pattern.
Rows 20-29: Work in pattern, using needle sizes as for Rows 18-19.
Row 30 [RS]: Using smaller circular needle, work Buttonhole Row.
Rows 31-33: Work in pattern, using needle sizes as for Rows 18-19.
Rows 34-42: Work in pattern, using smaller needles. Continue using smaller needles until sweater is complete.
Row 43 [WS]: Work in pattern to marker, p2, [k2tog, p2] to last marker, work in pattern to end. 226[235, 238, 241, 244, 247, 250, 253] sts.
Row 44 [RS]: Work in pattern to marker, k2, [p1, k2] to marker, work in pattern to end.
Row 45 [WS]: Work in pattern to marker, p2, [k1, p2] to marker, work in pattern to end.
These 2 rows set pattern for collar.
Row 46 [RS]: Work Buttonhole Row.
Rows 47-51: Work all sts in pattern.
BO all sts in pattern.

FINISHING
Sew sleeve seams and side seams.
Weave in ends and block as desired.
Sew buttons to button band, opposite buttonhles.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Lori lives in Princeton, NJ with her four children, three dogs, husband and mother.

You can see more of her work on her website or on ravelry.