INTRODUCTION

Linger

by Åsa Buchta

This is the sweater for those moody fall walks, when the air has turned crisp and the dark comes earlier. Inspired by the oversized, grungy looks of the '90s, I wanted a cardigan I could just throw over a dress, or maybe an old band tee and chinos (pleated, of course!).

This top-down sweater in a chunky yarn makes for a quick knit that can be tried on along the way. The inset pockets, added halfway down the body, preserve the lines of the ribbing. The Half Fisherman's Rib pattern creates an easy rhythm for knitting while rewatching your favorite rom-com.

This sweater is great fresh off the needles, but feel free to wear it to the ground. Just like that favorite sweater from your teens.

model: Åsa Buchta

photos: David Buchta

SIZE

Women's XS[S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X]
shown in size L with 6 inches/15 cm of ease at chest

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Chest circumference at underarm (with buttonbands overlapped):  34.75[38.75, 42.75, 46.75, 49.25, 54.75, 57.25, 61.25, 66.75] inches/ 88.5[98.5, 108.5, 118.5, 125, 139, 145.5, 155.5, 169.5] cm
Length at center back (not including neckband):  19.5[20, 21, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 22.5, 23] inches/ 49.5[51, 53.5, 53.5, 54.5, 56, 57, 57, 58.5] cm

MATERIALS

Yarn
Berroco Ultra Alpaca Chunky [50% Super Fine Alpaca, 50% Peruvian Wool; 131 yd/120 m per 3.5 oz/100 g skein]; color: #7204 Buckwheat; 7[8, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14] skeins

Yarn Characteristics
The sample shown uses a chunky-weight 2-ply blend of wool and alpaca. The alpaca fiber’s warmth and softness are balanced by stability from the wool. The heather dye and the slight fuzz of this yarn soften the look of the ribbed stitch pattern.

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]
1 US #8/5mm circular needle, 32-inch/80-cm long
1 US #10/6mm circular needle, 32-inch/80-cm long
1 US #10/6mm circular needle, 16-inch/40-cm long
1 set(s) US #8/5mm double-pointed needles

Notions
stitch markers
waste yarn to hold stitches
9 1-inch buttons
yarn needle

GAUGE

12 sts/32 rows [or rounds, as applicable] = 4 inches/10 cm in Half Fisherman's Rib.
Note: gauge is always taken after blocking.

PATTERN NOTES

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

Construction method: This cardigan is worked in Half Fisherman's Rib, in one piece from the top down. Stitches for sleeves are placed on hold while working the body. Pockets are worked into to the fronts. Stitches are picked up for buttonbands and neckband.

Techniques:
K1rb: knit next stitch in the row below. (see this video tutorial)

Half Fisherman's Rib (worked flat):
Row 1 [RS]: K1, *k1rb, p1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k1rb, k1.
Row 2 [WS]: P2, *k1, p1; rep from * to last st, p1.

Half Fisherman's Rib (worked in the round):
Rnd 1: *K1rb, p1; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 2: *K1, p1; rep from * to end of rnd.

Sewn tubular bind-off (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Pocket Hems (make 2)
Using smaller needle, loosely cast on 17 sts.

Set up Rib:
Row 1 [WS]: P2, *k1, p1; rep from * to last st, p1.
Row 2 [RS]: K2, *p1, k1; rep from * to last st, k1.
Work 3 more rows in ribbing as established.

Dec Row [RS]: K2tog, p1, *k1, p1; rep from * to last 2 sts, ssk. 15 sts.
Break yarn and slip sts to waste yarn.

Yoke
Using larger circular needle, cast on 65 sts Do not join.

Set up Rib:
Next Row [WS]: P2, (k1, p1) 5 times, pm, (k1, p1) 3 times, k1, pm, (p1, k1) 13 times, p1, pm, (k1, p1) 3 times, k1, pm, (p1, k1) 5 times, p2.

Work Short rows:
Short row 1 [RS]: K1, *k1rb, p1; rep from * to last marker, sm, k1rb, w&t.
Short row 2 [WS]: *P1, k1; rep from * to last marker, sm, p1, w&t.
Short row 3 (Inc row): (K1, yo, k1) in next st, sm, p1, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, work in pattern to 2 sts before marker, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, p1, sm, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, work in pattern to 2 sts before marker, p1, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, sm, p1, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, work in pattern to 2 sts before marker, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, p1, sm, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, pick up wrap and purl it with its st, k1rb, w&t. 16 sts increased. 81 sts.
Short row 4: Work in pattern to wrapped st, pick up wrap and knit it with its st, p1, w&t.
Short row 5: Work in pattern to wrapped st, pick up wrap and purl it with its st, k1, w&t.
Short row 6: Rep Short row 4.
Inc row [RS]: Work in pattern to 1 st before marker, (K1, yo, k1) in next st, sm, p1, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, work in pattern to 2 sts before marker, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, p1, sm, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, work in pattern to 2 st before marker, p1, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, sm, p1, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, work in pattern to 2 sts before marker, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, p1, sm, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, work in pattern to wrapped st, pick up wrap and purl it with its stitch, (k1rb, p1) to last 2 sts, k1rb, k1. 16 sts increased. 97 sts.
Next row [WS]: Work in pattern to wrapped st, pick up wrap and knit it with its st, work in pattern to end.

Work in pattern as established, working the Inc Row every 4th row 0[0, 0, 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 11] times, then every 8th row 3[4, 6, 6, 6, 4, 3, 3, 0] times. 145[161, 193, 209, 225, 241, 257, 273, 273] sts. 22[24, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 38] sts for each front, 27[31, 39, 43, 47, 51, 55, 59, 59] sts for each sleeve, 47[51, 59, 63, 67, 71, 75, 79, 79] sts for back.
Work 7 rows even.

Sizes XS[S] only:
Sleeve Inc Row [RS]: Work in pattern to marker, sm, p1, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, (p1, k1rb) to 2 sts before marker, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, p1, sm, work in pattern to next marker, sm, p1, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, (p1, k1rb) to 2 sts before marker, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, p1, sm, work in pattern to end. 8 sts increased.
Repeat Sleeve Inc Row every 8th row 1[0, -, -, -, -, -, -, -] time more. 161[169, -, -, -, -, -, -, -] sts. 22[24, -, -, -, -, -, -, -] sts for each front, 35[35, -, -, -, -, -, -, -] sts for each sleeve, 47[51, -, -, -, -, -, -, -] sts for back.

Sizes 2X[3X, 4X, 5X] only:
Body Inc Row [RS]: Work in pattern to 1 st before marker, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, sm, work in pattern to next marker, sm, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, work in pattern to 2 st before marker, p1, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, sm, work in pattern to next marker, sm, (k1, yo, k1) in next st, work in pattern to last st, k1. 8 sts increased.
Repeat Body Inc Row every 8th row -[-, -, -, -, 0, 0, 0, 2] times more. -[-, -, -, -, 249, 265, 281, 297] sts. -[-, -, -, -, 36, 38, 40, 44] sts for each front, -[-, -, -, -, 51, 55, 59, 59] sts for each sleeve, -[-, -, -, -, 75, 79, 83, 91] sts for back.

All sizes:
Work even in Half Fisherman's Rib until yoke measures 7.5[8, 9, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 10.5, 11] inches/ 19[20.5, 23, 23, 24, 25.5, 26.5, 26.5, 28] cm, ending with a WS row.

Divide for Body and Sleeves:
Next Row [RS]: Work in pattern to first marker, remove marker, slip the next 35[35, 39, 43, 47, 51, 55, 59, 59] sts to waste yarn for left sleeve, using backwards loop method, cast on 5[7, 5, 7, 7, 7, 7, 9, 9] sts, work in pattern to next marker, remove marker, slip the next 35[35, 39, 43, 47, 51, 55, 59, 59] sts to waste yarn for right sleeve, using backwards loop method, cast on 5[7, 5, 7, 7, 7, 7, 9, 9] sts, work in pattern to end of row. 101[113, 125, 137, 145, 161, 169, 181, 197] sts.

Body
Work even in Half Fisherman’s Rib until body measures 5 inches/12.5 cm, or desired length to top of pockets, from underarms, ending with a WS row.

Place Pockets:
Next Row [RS]: Work 7 sts in pattern, slip the next 15 sts to waste yarn for Pocket Lining, slip Pocket Hem sts to left needle with RS facing, work these sts in Half Fisherman’s Rib, continue in pattern around body to the last 22 sts, slip the next 15 sts to waste yarn for Pocket Lining, slip Pocket Hem sts to left needle with RS facing, work these sts in Half Fisherman’s Rib, continue in pattern to end of row.

Work even in pattern until body measures 10 inches/25.5 cm, or 2 inches/5 cm less than desired length, from underarms, ending with a WS row. Change to smaller needle.

Set Up Rib:
Next Row [RS]: K1, *k1, p1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Work in ribbing as established for 2 inches/5 cm, ending with a WS row. Bind off using sewn tubular bind-off or bind-off method of your choice.

Sleeves
Slip 35[35, 39, 43, 47, 51, 55, 59, 59] sleeve sts from waste yarn to shortest circular needle. Joining yarn at center of underarm cast-on sts, pick up and knit 3[4, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5] sts in cast-on sts, work across sleeve sts in Half Fisherman’s Rib (in the round), beginning with a Rnd 1, then pick up and knit 2[3, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4] sts in remaining underarm cast-on sts. K 1[0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1] st, place marker and join to work in the round. 40[42, 44, 50, 54, 58, 62, 68, 68] sts.

Work even in Half Fisherman’s Rib pattern until sleeve measures 15.5 inches/39.5 cm, or 2 inches/5 cm less than desired length to cuff. Change to dpns.
Dec rnd: K 4[0, 2, 2, 0, 4, 2, 2, 2] sts, *k2tog, k1; rep from * to end of rnd. 28[28, 30, 34, 36, 40, 42, 46, 46] sts.

Set Up Rib:
Next Rnd: *K1, p1; rep from * to end of round. Work in ribbing as established for 2 inches/5 cm. Bind off using sewn tubular bind-off or bind-off method of your choice.

Buttonband
With RS facing, using smaller 32-inch/60-cm circular needle, beginning at top of left front, pick up and knit approximately 2 sts for every 3 rows down left front edge; exact number is not crucial, but must be an even number.

Set up Rib:
Row 1 [WS]: P1, *k1, p1; rep from * to last st, p1.
Row 2 [RS]: K2, *p1, k1; rep from * to end of row.
Work in ribbing until band measures 1 inch/2.5 cm, ending with a WS row. Bind off using sewn tubular bind-off or bind-off method of your choice.

Buttonhole band
With RS facing, using smaller 32-inch/60-cm circular needle, beginning at bottom of Right Front, pick up and knit same number of sts as for Buttonband.

Work as for Buttonband for 0.5 inch/1.5 cm, ending with a WS row. Use removable stitch markers to mark 8 buttonholes (the 9th buttonhole will go on the neckband), each placed before a purl stitch as follows: One 2 inches/5 cm below neck edge, one centered on the bottom ribbing, and 6 evenly spaced between.
Buttonhole Row [RS]: *Work in ribbing to marker, remove marker, yo, k2tog; rep from * 7 more times, work in ribbing to end.

Work in ribbing until band measures 1 inch/2.5 cm, ending with a WS row. Bind off using sewn tubular bind-off or bind-off method of your choice.

Neckband
With RS facing, using smaller circular needle, and beginning at Right Front neck edge, pick up and knit 75 sts around neck (5 sts in top of buttonhole band, 65 sts in cast-on sts, and 5 sts in top of buttonband).

Set up rib:
Row 1 [WS]: P1, *k1, p1; rep from * to end of row.
Row 2 [RS]: K1, *p1, k1; rep from * to end of row.
Work in ribbing for 0.5 inch/1.5 cm, ending with a WS row. Place a marker for buttonhole, centered above Buttonhole band, before a purl st.
Buttonhole Row [RS]: Work in ribbing to marker, remove marker, yo, k2tog, work in ribbing to end.
Work in ribbing until band measures 1 inch/2.5 cm, ending with a WS row. Bind off using sewn tubular bind-off or bind-off method of your choice.

Pocket Linings
Slip 15 sts for pocket lining from waste yarn to larger needle with RS facing. Beginning with a Row 1, work in Fisherman’s Rib for 6 inches/15 cm, ending with a WS row. Bind off.

Sew side edges of pocket hem to RS of Body using mattress stitch. Sew pocket lining to inside of body using whip stitch.

FINISHING

Weave in all ends and block as desired. Sew on buttons opposite buttonholes.

A – Chest circumference (not including buttonbands): 33.75[37.75, 41.75, 45.75, 48.25, 53.75, 56.25, 60.25, 65.75] inches/ 85.5[96, 106, 116, 122.5, 136.5, 143, 153, 167] cm
B – Body length to underarm: 12 inches/30.5 cm
C – Raglan depth: 7.5[8, 9, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 10.5, 11] inches/ 19[20.5, 23, 23, 24, 25.5, 26.5, 26.5, 28] cm
D – Neck circumference: 21.75 inches/55 cm
E – Sleeve length from underarm: 17.5 inches/44.5 cm
F – Upper arm circumference: 13.25[14, 14.75, 16.75, 18, 19.25, 20.75, 22.75, 22.75] inches/ 33.5[35.5, 37.5, 42.5, 45.5, 49, 52.5, 58, 58] cm
G – Wrist circumference: 9.25[9.25, 10, 11.25, 12.5, 13.25, 15.5, 15.5, ] inches/ 23.5[23.5, 25.5, 28.5, 32, 33.5, 39.5, 39.5, ] cm

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Åsa is Lead Designer at Berroco, Inc. She lives with her husband, kids and cocker spaniel in Rhode Island, where she likes to go for walks in the woods and can sometimes be seen knitting at local breweries.

Pattern & images © 2023 Åsa Buchta