INTRODUCTION

You Do You

by TabithaTuesdayknits

I was inspired to design this bang-on-trend, stylish yet cosy, colorful super chunky cardigan for a winter holiday in Spain. I wanted something to layer up an outfit when the temperature dropped so I can enjoy the beautiful Spanish sunset to the max.

That's why I love cardigans. They are great for any season. So when you knit this be bold, choose any combination of colors from shades of Spring right through to Autumnal and Winter hues. Even in a single color the quirky feature back design makes this a fun go to top. "You do You!"

This top is worked in super chunky wool and so it's super quick and easy to make. This is a twist on the classic drop-shoulder design, which is the simplest of all the cardigan styles. It has a relaxed, loose fit and it looks great with any outfit. There is very little shaping, it is a perfect choice for a first garment, top down or intarsia piece. This design is for everyone, it comes in 9 sizes from XS to 5XL. The advantage of top down construction is you can try it on as you go and adjust the sleeve/body length.

model: Tabitha Tuesday

photos: Taylor Tuesday

SIZE

 XS[S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X]
sample is shown modelled with 8 inches/20 cm of ease in the torso

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Chest: 35.5[39.5, 45.5, 49, 53, 57, 61, 65, 69] inches / 90[100, 115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 165, 175] cm
Length: 22[22, 22.5, 22.5, 23, 23, 23.5 24, 25, ] inches/ 56[56, 57, 57, 58.5, 58.5, 59.5, 61, 63.5] cm

MATERIALS

Yarn
Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Super Chunky [50% Wool 50% Acrylic; 60yd/55m per 100g skein];
[C1] Peach Orange (954); 4[4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7] skeins
[C2] Daffodil Yellow (921); 3[3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, ] skeins
[C3] Dusty Lilac (946); 3[3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6] skeins
[C4] Bubblegum Pink (950); 4[4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7] skeins

Yarn Characteristics
The sample shown uses a 3+ plied 50% wool, 50% super bulky acrylic blend which is warm, washable, and wonderful to knit! It comes in 60 shades. As the current trend is for color blocking, I would choose 4 or more contrasting colors. However, a single colour would also work.

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]
US #15/10mm needles for working flat (recommend a circular needle, 24 inches/60 cm or longer)
US #15/10mm 16 inch/40 cm circular needle
US #13/9 mm needles for working small circumference in the round
US #7 /4.5 mm needle for bind off (optional, see Pattern Notes)

Notions
stitch markers
tools for optional provisional cast on – crochet hook and waste yarn; see Pattern Notes
yarn needle

GAUGE

8 sts/ 12 rows = 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette stitch
13 sts/12 rows = 4 inches/10 cm in rib stitch

PATTERN NOTES

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

Construction details: The garment is knitted from the top down starting with a cast on for the back shoulders. The back of the garment is worked down to the armhole, then the back stiches at the bottom are put on hold. The next stage is to pick up stitches from the back shoulders to work and the shoulders and fronts are worked down from there, to the armhole. Then both fronts are joined to the back stiches at armhole depth on circular needles. The body of the cardigan is subsequently worked flat to the hem.

Casting On
This project optionally uses a provisional cast on. photo tutorial | video tutorial
You can also use a standard cast on if you prefer.

Intarsia: When changing colors and joining yarns mid-row, twist the two around each other to interlock them and keep the two sections joined.

Binding Off:
You can bind off in ribbing, or use a smaller needle to work Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind off.

DIRECTIONS

Back Shoulders
Using US #15/10mm circular needle and CO 36[40, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70] sts using your preferred method: if using a provisional method, use waste yarn; if using the long-tail method, use C1.

If using the provisional method, join C1 now.

Setup Row [RS]: K 18[20, 23, 25, 28, 31, 33, 35, ] , place marker, k to end.

Beginning and ending with a purl row, work 21[23, 25, 27, 27, 29, 33, 35, 37] rows in stockinette stitch.

Leave yarn attached and place sts on a stitch holder or waste yarn. The piece will measure approximately 7[7.75, 8.25, 9, 9, 9.75 11, 11.75, 12.25, ] inches/ 17.5[19, 21, 22.5, 22.5, 24, 27.5, 29, 31] cm.

Upper Right Front
Hold Back piece with RS facing, with the cast on edge at the top and the live stitches at the bottom.

Using US #15/10mm circular needle and C2 pick-up and knit 12[14, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29] sts, one for one in the cast on edge. Place marker; join C3, and pick up and work across another 6 stitches for the edging as follows: (pick up and purl 1, pick up and knit 1) 3 times. 18[20, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35] sts.

Row 1 [WS]: Using C3, sl 1, (k1, p1) twice, k1; change to C2, purl to end.
Row 2 [RS]: Using C2, k to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1; change to C3, (p1, k1) to end. 1 st decreased.
Row 3: Using C3, sl 1, (k1, p1) twice, k1; change to C2, p1, p2tog, p to end. 1 st decreased.
Repeat Rows 2-3 two more times.

Sizes XS, S, M only:
Work 8 rows even. 12[14, 17, -, -, -, -, -, -] sts.

Sizes L, 2X, 3X, 4X only:
Repeat Row 2 and work 7 rows even. -[-, -, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, -] sts.

Size 5X only:
Repeat Row 2, work 1 row even, then work Row 2 once more. Work 5 more rows even. 27 sts.

First set of increases, Sizes XS, L, XL only:
Work 3 rows even.
Next row, increase [RS]: Using C2, K to 1 st before marker, M1L, k1; change to C3, (p1, k1) to end. 1 st increased.
Repeat the last 4 rows 2[-, -, 0, 0, -, -, -, -] more times. 15-[-, -, 19, 21, -, -, -, -] sts.

Second set of increases, XS, S, M, L, X, 2X, 3X, 5X:
Work 4 rows even.
Next row, increase [WS]: Using C3, Sl 1, (k1, p1) twice, k1; change to C2, p1, M1RP, p to end.

Work 4 rows even.
Next row, increase [RS]: Using C2, K to 1 st before marker, M1L, k1; change to C3, (p1, k1) to end. 1 st increased.

Repeat the last 10 rows 0[2, 1, 2, 2, 2, 0, -, 1] more times.
Size XS only: work the first five rows once more. 18[20, 21, 25, 27, 28, 26, -, 31] sts

Sizes XS, S, L, XL stop here and proceed to Final step, below.

Third set of increases, Sizes M, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X only, continue:
Work 5 rows even.
Next row, increase [RS]: Using C2, K to 1 st before marker, M1L, k1; change to C3, (p1, k1) to end. 1 st increased.

Repeat the last 6 rows -[-, 1, -, -, 0, 4, 6, 3] times. -[-, 23, -, -, 29, 31, 33, 35] sts.
Proceed to Final step, below.

Final step
Place these sts on a holder or waste yarn, and leave yarns attached for working when fronts and back are joined. The piece from the stitch pick-up (including the upper back and shoulder) will measure 14[15, 15.5, 16.5, 16.5, 17, 18.5, 19, 19.75] inches/ 35[37.5, 39, 41, 41, 42.5, 46, 47.5, 49] cm.

Upper Left Front
Hold Back piece with RS facing, with the cast on edge at the top and the live stitches at the bottom.

Using US #15/10mm circular needle and C2 pick-up and knit 6 stitches for the edging as follows: (pick up and knit 1, pick up and purl 1) 3 times; place marker, change to C4 and continue, picking up and knitting 12[14, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29] sts, one for one in the cast on edge. 18[20, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35] sts.

Row 1 [WS]: Using C4, p to marker, change to C2, (k1, p1) to end
Row 2 [RS]: Using C2, s1, (p1, k1) twice, p1; change to C4, k1, SSK, k to end. 1 st decreased.
Row 3: Using C4, p to 3 sts before marker, ssp, (k1, p1) to end. 1 st decreased.
Repeat Rows 2-3 two more times.

Sizes XS, S, M only:
Work 8 rows even. 12[14, 17, -, -, -, -, -, -] sts.

Sizes L, 2X, 3X, 4X only:
Repeat Row 2 and work 7 rows even. -[-, -, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, -] sts.

Size 5X only:
Repeat Row 2, work 1 row even, then work Row 2 once more. Work 5 more rows even. 27 sts.

First set of increases, Sizes XS, L, XL only:
Work 3 rows even.
Next row, increase [RS]: Using C2, s1, (p1, k1) twice p1, change to C4, k1, M1r, k to end. 1 st increased.
Repeat the last 4 rows 2[-, -, 0, 0, -, -, -, -] more times. 15-[-, -, 19, 21, -, -, -, -] sts.

Second set of increases, XS, S, M, L, X, 2X, 3X, 5X only:
Work 4 rows even.
Next row, increase [WS]: Using C4, p to 3 stitches before marker, M1PL p1, change to C2, (k1, p1) to end. 1 st increased.

Work 4 rows even.
Next row, increase [RS]: Using C2, Sl 1, (p1, k1) twice, k1; change to C4, k1, M1R, k to end. 1 st increased.
Repeat the last 10 rows 0[2, 1, 2, 2, 2, 0, -, 1] more times. Size XS only: work the first five rows once more. 18[20, 21, 25, 27, 28, 26, -, 31] sts

Sizes XS, S, L, XL stop here and proceed to Lower Body, below

Third set of increases, Sizes M, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X only, continue:
Work 5 rows even.
Next row, increase [RS]: Using C2, Sl 1, (p1, k1) twice, k1; change to C4, k1, M1R, k to end. 1 st increased.

Repeat the last 6 rows -[-, 1, -, -, 0, 4, 6, 3] times. -[-, 23, -, -, 29, 31, 33, 35] sts.
Proceed to Lower Body, below.

Lower Body
The two front and back sections are now joined and worked together to the hem. Start with the left front as follows:

Row 1 [RS]: Using C2, sl 1, (p1, k1) twice, p1; change to C4, k across rem sts of left front; pm for side; change to C1, k across back sts; pm for side; change to C2, knit across right front sts to edge marker, change to C3, (p1, k1) to end. 72[80, 92, 100, 108, 116, 124, 132, 140] sts.

Row 2 [WS]: Using C3, sl 1, (k1, p1) twice, k1; change to C2, p to first side marker; change to C1, p across back to second side marker; change to C4, p across right from last 6 sts; change to C2, (k1, p1) to end.

Row 3 [RS]: Using C2, sl 1, (p1, k1) twice, p1; change to C4, k to first side marker; change to C1, k across back sts to second side marker; change to C2, k to last 6 sts; change to C3, (p1, k1) to end.

Repeat Rows 2-3, 7 more times, and work Row 2 again. 18 rows total worked from joining.

Row 19 [RS]: Using C2, sl 1, (p1, k1) twice, p1; change to C4, k to first side marker (cutting C4 at this point); remove marker, change to C1 and k across back sts to second side marker (cutting C2 at this point), remove marker, and continue to k to last 6 sts; change to C3, (p1, k1) to end.

Row 20: Using C3, sl 1, (k1, p1) twice, k1; change to C1, p to last 6 sts; change to C2, (k1, p1) to end.
Row 21: Using C2, sl 1, (p1, k1) twice, p1; change to C1, k to last 6 sts; change to C3, (p1, k1) to end.

Repeat Rows 20-21 until the garment measures 19.5[19.5, 20, 20, 20.5, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22.5] inches/ 49.5[49.5, 51, 51, 52, 52, 53.5, 54.5, 57] cm from shoulder, or 2.5 inches/6.5 cm shorter than desired length, ending with a RS row.

Last row [WS]: Using C3, sl 1, (k1, p1) twice, k1; change to C1, p 30[34, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 60] , place marker for center back, p to last 6 sts; change to C2, (k1, p1) to end.

Cut C1.

Lower Ribbing
Continue with the same needle size used for the body to keep the ribbing relaxed.

Row 1 [RS]: Using C2, sl 1, p1, (k1, p1) to marker, change to C3, k2tog, (p1, k1) to end. 71[79, 91, 99, 107, 115, 123, 131, 139] sts.

Row 2 [WS]: Using C3, sl 1, (k1, p1) to marker, change to C2, (k1, p1) to end.
Row 3: Using C2, sl 1, (p1, k1) to 1 st before marker, p1, change to C3, (k1, p1) to last st, k1

Repeat Rows 2-3 until ribbing measures 2 inches/5 cm ending with a WS row. BO with working needles in ribbing pattern, or using Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy method with a US #7/4.5mm needle.

Sleeves

With RS facing, using larger 16 inch/40 cm circular needle and C4, join yarn at in the center of the underarm, and pick up and knit 40[42, 46, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60] sts evenly around the armhole, at the rate of approximately 2 sts for every 3 rows. Place marker and join for working in the round.

Knit all rounds until sleeve measures 4 inches/10cm shorter than desired finished length, or approximately 11[11, 11, 11.5, 11.5, 12, 12, 12.5, 12.5] inches/ 27.5[27.5, 27.5, 29, 29, 30.5, 30.5, 31.5, 31.5] cm.

Decrease round 1: K2tog to end. 20[21, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30] sts rem.
Decrease round 2: K 2[2, 3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 4, 3] , k2tog 8[9, 9, 11, 12, 11, 12, 11, 12] times, k to end. 12[12, 14, 14, 14, 16, 16, 18, 18] sts.

Switch to US #13/9mm needles for small circumference in the round.

Ribbing: [K1, p1] around.
Work ribbing as set until trim measures 3.5 inches/9 cm.

BO with working needles in ribbing pattern, or using Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy method with a US #7/4.5mm needle.

FINISHING

Wash according to the washing instructions for the yarn, lay flat to dry. Weave in ends.

A - Back Neck:  6[6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 8] inches/ 15[15, 15, 17.5, 17.5, 17.5, 17.5, 17.5, 20] cm

B - Body circumference at widest point of chest:  35.5[39.5, 45.5, 49, 53, 57, 61, 65, 69] inches/ 90[100, 114, 124, 135, 145, 155, 165, 175] cm

C - Upper arm circumference: 19.5[20.5, 22.5, 24.5, 25.5, 26.5, 27.5, 28.5, 29.5] inches/ 50[52.5, 57.5, 62.5, 65, 67.5, 70, 72.5, 75] cm

D - Armhole depth: 10.25[11.25, 12, 12.75, 12.75, 13.25, 14.75, 15.25, 16] inches/ 26[28.5, 30.5, 32.5, 33.5, 37.5, 38.5, 40.5, ] cm

E - Body length (armpit to hem): 12[11.5, 11, 9.5, 10, 9.5, 9, 9, 8.5] inches/ 30[28, 24.5, 26, 24.5, 23.5, 23.5, 24.5, ] cm these seem weird

F - Garment length (shoulder to hem): 22[22, 22.5, 22.5, 23, 23, 23.5, 24, 25] inches/ 56[56, 57, 57, 58.5, 58.5, 59.5, 61, 63.5] cm

G - Wrist circumference:  6[6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9] inches/ 15[15, 17.5, 17.5, 17.5, 20, 20, 22.5, 22.5] cm

H - Back neck drop:  3.5[3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5] inches/ 8.5[8.5, 8.5, 8.5, 8.5, 8.5, 8.5, 8.5, 8.5] cm

I - Sleeve length: 11[11, 11, 11.5, 11.5, 12, 12, 12.5, 12.5] inches/ 27.5[27.5, 27.5, 29, 29, 30, 30, 31.5, 31.5] cm

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Tabitha Tuesday has engaged in a life-long battle with her hair, amongst other things. She now knows the struggle is futile; she can not control her own hair and lots of other things. She is a long-suffering wife, mother and human being who likes to grow flowers, exercise and travel; as well as, designing and making beautiful things. In a previous existence she loved daydreaming and sometimes welcomed the soothing predictability of a spreadsheet. She is convinced she is 35 years old. She isn't!

Pattern & images © 2022 Tabitha Tuesdayknits