One
of my first yarn purchases when I began knitting
was blue/green Noro Silk Garden, to make a garter
stitch shawl. As my knitting improved, I moved quickly
away from the idea of square shawl in garter stitch,
and the yarn waited for another purpose.
After
making a “Noro Striped Scarf” a few years later,
I decided the blue/green Noro would make a great striped sweater,
and I found some orange/red Noro to alternate with the blue/green.
Even so, I did not have a particular pattern in mind, and
I continued to keep an eye out for the right design. I recently
latched onto the idea, again, and I decided it was time to take
matters into my own hands and create just the thing.
I wanted a classic, easy cardigan with simple shaping and plain
stockinette, to provide a wide canvas for the color.
As a result,
the hood is a wide and smiling version, draping when raised,
and laying across the shoulders when not. The cuffs and hem have
a classic rib, and the sleeves and body are gently but not-too-snugly
fitted. The simple lines make it an easy and relaxing project,
with the color changes keeping it enticing to knit and a joy
to wear.
Recommended needle size [always use a needle
size that gives you the gauge
listed below -- every knitter's
gauge is unique] 1
set US #6/4mm straight needles 1 set US #8/5mm straight needles 1 US #6/4mm circular needle, 24 inches or longer
Notions Stitch
marker Waste yarn Yarn needle 8[8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 9] buttons, 0.875 inch diameter Note: Buy buttons after sweater is complete to ensure correct size.
GAUGE
16 sts/26 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette stitch, after blocking
PATTERN NOTES [Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]
This sweater has deep armholes and
wide sleeves, so that it can be worn as an outer layer.
When buttoned up, the front of the sweater will be 2 inches
wider than the back; this provides more ease over the bust and
stomach, and contributes to the drape of the hood.
Selvedge sts (1 st at each side of each piece) are not included
in measurements shown in schematic.
m1p (Make 1 purl stitch): Insert left needle, from back to front,
under strand of yarn which runs between last stitch on left needle
and first stitch on right needle; purl this stitch. 1 st increased
(stitch will be twisted).
2x2 Rib (Worked over a multiple of 4 sts + 2): Row 1 [RS]: [K2, p2] to last 2 sts, k2. Row 2 [WS]: [P2, k2] to last 2 sts, p2.
Repeat these 2 rows for 2x2 Rib.
Stripe Pattern:
Work 2 rows using B.
Work 2 rows using A.
These 4 rows form Stripe Pattern. Begin
each stripe on a RS row.
Instructions for the Long-Tail Cast On can
be found here.
Instructions for the Cable Cast On can be
found here.
DIRECTIONS
BACK
With smaller needle and A, CO 70[78, 86, 94, 102, 110, 118]
sts using long-tail cast on.
Work Row 2 of 2x2 Rib (a WS row) using
A.
Join B; from this point on, work in Stripe
Pattern.
Work 15 rows in 2x2 Rib, ending with a RS row. Next Row [WS]: P6, p2tog, *p5[6, 7, 8,
9, 10, 11], p2tog; repeat from * seven times more, p6. 61[69,
77, 85, 93, 101, 109] sts.
Switch to larger needles and work 4[4, 4, 4, 6, 6, 8] rows in
stockinette st, ending with a WS row.
Shape Waist: Decrease Row [RS]: K2, k2tog, k to last
4 sts, ssk, k2.
Work 7 rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 8 rows twice more, then
work Decrease Row once more. 53[61, 69, 77, 85, 93, 101] sts.
Work 17[17, 17, 19, 21, 21, 21] rows in stockinette st, ending
with a RS row.
Increase Row [WS]: P2, m1p, p to last 2 sts, m1p, p2.
Work 7 rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 8 rows twice more, then
work Increase Row once more. 61[69, 77, 85, 93, 101, 109] sts.
Continue in stockinette st until work measures 14[14, 14, 14.75,
15.5, 15.5, 15.5] inches or desired length to underarm, ending
with a WS row.
Shape Armholes:
BO 4[4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 6] sts at beginning
of next 2 rows. 53[61, 69, 77, 85, 91, 97] sts.
BO 3 sts at beginnning of following 2
rows. 47[55, 63, 71, 79, 85, 91] sts.
Decrease Row [RS]: K2, k2tog, k to last 4 sts, ssk, k2.
P 1 row.
Repeat these 2 rows 2[2, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6] times more. 41[49, 57, 63, 69, 73, 77] sts.
Continue in stockinette st until work measures 8.5[8.5,
9, 9.75, 10.25, 10.75, 11.25] inches from beginning of armhole,
ending with a WS row.
Shape Shoulders:
BO 6[7, 8, 9, 7, 7, 8] sts at beginning
of next 2[2, 2, 2, 2, 4, 2] rows. 29[35, 41, 45, 55, 45, 61]
sts.
BO 5[6, 7, 8, 6, 6, 7] sts at beginning
of next 2[2, 2, 2, 4, 2, 4] rows.
Place remaining 19[23, 27, 29, 31, 33,
33] sts on waste yarn.
LEFT FRONT
With smaller needle and A, CO 34[38, 42, 46, 50, 54,
58] sts using long-tail cast on.
Work Row 2 of 2x2 Rib (a WS row) using
A.
Join B; from this point on, work in Stripe
Pattern.
Switch to larger needles and work 4[4, 4, 4, 6, 6, 8] rows in
stockinette st, ending with a WS row.
Shape Waist: Decrease Row [RS]: K2, k2tog, k to end.
Work 7 rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 8 rows twice more, then
work Decrease Row once more. 26[30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50] sts.
Work 17[17, 17, 19, 21, 21, 21] rows in stockinette st, ending
with a RS row.
Increase Row [WS]: P to last 2 sts, m1p, p2.
Work 7 rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 8 rows twice more, then
work Increase Row once more. 30[34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54] sts.
Continue in stockinette st until work measures same as back
to underarm, ending with a WS row. Note: Use stripes as a guide to ensure
that front and back are the same length.
Shape Armhole: Next Row [RS]: BO 4[4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 6]
sts, k to end. 26[30, 34, 38, 42, 45, 48] sts.
P 1 row. Next Row [RS]: BO 3 sts, k to end. 23[27,
31, 35, 39, 42, 45] sts.
P 1 row. Decrease Row [RS]: K2, k2tog, k to end.
Repeat these 2 rows 2[2, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6] times more. 20[24, 28, 31, 34, 36, 38] sts.
Continue in stockinette st until work measures same as back
to beginning of shoulder shaping, ending with a WS row.
Shape Shoulder: Next Row [RS]: BO 6[7, 8, 9, 7, 7, 8]
sts, k to end. 14[17, 20, 22, 27, 29, 30] sts.
P 1 row.
Size 2X Only:
Repeat these two rows once. 22 sts.
All Sizes: Next Row [RS]: BO 5[6, 7, 8, 6, 6, 7]
sts, k to end. 9[11, 13, 14, 21, 16, 23] sts.
Sizes 1X, 3X Only:
P 1 row. Next Row [RS]: BO -[-, -, -, 6, -, 7]
sts, p to end. -[-, -, -, 15, -, 16] sts.
All Sizes:
P 1 row.
Place remaining 9[11, 13, 14, 15, 16,
16] sts on waste yarn.
RIGHT FRONT
Work as for left front to beginning of waist shaping.
Shape Waist: Decrease Row [RS]: K to last 4 sts, ssk,
k2.
Work 7 rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 8 rows twice more, then
work Decrease Row once more. 26[30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50] sts.
Work 17[17, 17, 19, 21, 21, 21] rows in stockinette st, ending
with a RS row.
Increase Row [WS]: P2, m1p, p to end.
Work 7 rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 8 rows twice more, then
work Increase Row once more. 30[34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54] sts.
Continue in stockinette st until work is one row longer than
left front to underarm, ending with a RS row.
Shape Armhole: Next Row [WS]: BO 4[4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 6]
sts, p to end. 26[30, 34, 38, 42, 45,
48] sts.
K 1 row.
Next Row [WS]: BO 3 sts, p to end. 23[27,
31, 35, 39, 42, 45] sts.
Decrease Row [RS]: K to last 4 sts, ssk, k2.
P 1 row.
Repeat these 2 rows 2[2, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6] times more. 20[24, 28, 31, 34, 36, 38] sts.
Continue in stockinette st until work is one row longer than
left front to beginning of shoulder shaping, ending with a RS
row.
Shape Shoulder: Next Row [WS]: BO 6[7, 8, 9, 7, 7, 8]
sts, p to end. 14[17, 20, 22, 27, 29, 30] sts.
K 1 row.
Size 2X Only:
Repeat these two rows once. 22 sts.
All Sizes: Next Row [WS]: BO 5[6, 7, 8, 6, 6, 7]
sts, p to end. 9[11, 13, 14, 21, 16, 23] sts.
Sizes 1X, 3X Only:
K 1 row. Next Row [WS]: BO -[-, -, -, 6, -, 7]
sts, p to end. -[-, -, -, 15, -, 16] sts.
All Sizes:
Place remaining 9[11, 13, 14, 15, 16,
16] sts on waste yarn.
SLEEVES
Using smaller needles and A, CO 38[42, 42, 46, 46, 50, 50]
sts.
Work Row 2 of 2x2 Rib (a WS row) using
A.
Join B; from this point on, work in Stripe
Pattern.
Switch to larger needles and work 5 rows in stockinette st,
ending with a RS row.
Increase Row [WS]: P2, m1p, p to last
2 sts, m1p, p2.
Repeat these 6 rows 12[11, 9, 7, 3, 3,
1] times more. 60[62, 58, 58, 50, 54, 50] sts.
Sizes M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X Only:
Work 3 rows in stockinette st.
Work Increase
Row.
Repeat these 4 rows -[-, 4, 7, 13, 13,
16] times more. 60[62, 68, 74, 78, 82, 84] sts.
All Sizes:
Continue in stockinette st until work
measures 18 inches or desired length to underarm, ending with
a WS row. Be sure to end with a stripe that is the same colorway
as the last stripe before armhole shaping on the fronts and
back.
Shape Sleeve Cap:
BO 4[4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 6] sts at beginning
of next 2 rows. 52[54, 60, 66, 70, 72, 72] sts.
BO 3 sts at beginnning of following 2
rows. 46[48, 54, 60, 64, 66, 66] sts.
Decrease Row [RS]: K2, k2tog, k to last 4 sts, ssk, k2.
P 1 row.
Repeat these 2 rows 10[11, 12, 1, 3,
3, 5] times more. 24[24, 28, 56, 56, 58, 54] sts.
Sizes L, 1X, 2X, 3X Only:
Work Decrease Row. Work 3 rows in stockinette
st.
Repeat these 4 rows -[-, -, 0, 1, 3,
1] times more. -[-, -, 54, 52, 50, 50] sts.
Work Decrease Row. P 1 row.
Repeat these 2 rows -[-, -, 7, 4, 0,
5] times more, then work Decrease Row once more. -[-, -, 36,
40, 46, 36] sts.
BO -[-, -, 2, 3, 3, 2] sts at beginning of next -[-, -, 4, 4,
6, 4] rows. 28 sts.
All Sizes:
BO 2 sts at beginning of next 4 rows.
BO remaining 16[16, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20]
sts.
FINISHING
Weave in ends and block pieces to measurements shown. Sew shoulder
seams.
Hood
Place held sts of front and back neckline
on needle and join yarn with RS facing; use correct colorway
for next stripe in Stripe Pattern. 37[45, 53, 57, 61, 65,
65] sts.
Set-up Row [RS]: K18[22, 26, 28, 30, 32,
32], place marker, k1, place marker, k to end.
Increase Row [WS]: P to marker, m1p, slip marker, p1, slip
marker, m1p, p to end.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 4 rows 7[3, 3, 2,
2, 2, 2]
times more. 53[53, 61, 63, 67, 71, 71] sts.
Continue in stockinette st until hood measures 11.5[11.5, 12,
12.5, 12.5, 13, 13] inches, ending with a WS row.
Decrease Row [RS]: K to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, slip marker,
k1, slip marker, ssk, k to end.
Work 3 rows in stockinette st.
Repeat these 4 rows twice more. 47[47,
55, 57, 61, 65, 65] sts.
Work Decrease Row.
P 1 row.
Repeat these 2 rows 3 times more. 39[39,
47, 49, 53, 57, 57] sts.
Next Row [RS]: K to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, remove marker,
k1, remove marker. Do not work to end of row; slip last 19[19,
23, 24, 26, 28, 28] sts to circular needle. Use working yarn
to graft sts on working needle to sts on circular needle.
Front Band
Using circular needle and B, beginning
at lower right front corner with RS facing,
pick up and k 5 sts for every 6 rows along right front edge,
front edge of hood, and left front edge, ending at lower left
front corner. Count sts; when working first row, increase
or decrease 1 or 2 sts if needed to obtain a multiple of 4
sts + 2.
Beginning with a WS row and working in Stripe Pattern, work
7 rows in 2x2 Rib. Buttonhole Row 1 [RS]: Work 6 sts in pattern,
BO 2 sts, *work 9 sts in pattern (10 sts
on right needle after bound off sts), BO
2 sts; repeat from * 6[6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7]
times more, work in pattern to end. Buttonhole Row 2 [WS]: Work in pattern,
casting on 2 sts over each set of bound off sts using cable
cast on method (see Pattern Notes). Note: When working cable cast on, turn
work so that RS of work is facing.
Work 7 rows in pattern, ending with a RS row. Using larger
needle, BO all sts in pattern.
If desired, steam block front band. Sew
sleeves into armholes. Sew sleeve seams and side seams. Weave
in remaining ends.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Lisa Kay designs aircraft for a living
and sweaters and socks for sheer enjoyment.
She enjoys spinning, lace, and chasing
her five-year-old son.
She documents her
hobbies and her son on her
blog.
