INTRODUCTION

Skift

by Rachel Brockman

The inspiration for the Skift Cardigan truly emerged from the light, lofty yarn it's made of. I was smitten from the moment I was introduced to Rico Design's Madly in Love... you might say I fell madly in love with the yarn! I immediately imagined myself wrapped in layers of fabric created from the yarn and felt excited about the approaching autumn and winter days ahead. As I began swatching, I loved how light and airy the fabric felt, and wanted to see how it would feel in cabled fabric. Visions of an oversized scarf or long, roomy cardigan filled my mind. I wanted to design something that felt as comforting as reading a book at the hearth of a fireplace... a piece I would turn to over and over when mist coats the winter sky, or snow falls quietly and gently outside. Before I knew it, the concept for the Skift Cardigan came to life.

My goal for this piece was to create something that felt mindful to knit – deceptively simple yet engaging. A cable motif, inspired by the work of cable master and designer Annie Maloney, decorates the center back and sleeves. Surrounding these more intricate motifs are basic columns of 2-stitch cables that feel as rhythmic and easy as ribbing. The elongated, duster length combined with the deep shawl collar makes the silhouette elegant enough for an outing, yet cozy enough for the comfort of your home.

I ended up loving it so much, that I couldn't resist making my dog, George, a Skift of his own, so be sure to check out the coordinating pattern for pups!

model: Rachel Brockman

photos: John Mojecki

SIZE

Women's XXS[XS, S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X]
shown in Small size, modeled with 7 inches / 18 cm ease

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Chest circumference at underarm (with fronts overlapping): 3 4[38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70] inches / 86.5[96.5, 106.5, 117, 127, 137, 147.5, 157.5, 167.5, 178] cm
Length from Shoulder:  30.75[31.25, 31.75, 32.25, 33, 33.75, 34.5, 35.75, 36.25, 36.75] inches / 78[79.5, 80.5, 82, 84, 86, 87.5, 91, 92, 93.5] cm

MATERIALS

Yarn
Rico Design Madly in Love Luxury Baby Alpaca & Merino Chunky [70% alpaca, 23% polyamide, 7% wool; 142 yds/130 m per 1.75 oz/50g ball]; 007 Lilac: 9[10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20] balls

Yarn Characteristics
Madly in Love Luxury Baby Alpaca & Merino Chunky features a tubular construction with fibers blown into its core, creating fabrics that are lofty and featherweight with surprising stitch definition. If choosing to substitute another yarn for this project, it is highly recommended to choose a yarn with a similar construction. Although a plied yarn will yield beautiful results in the stitch patterns, the resulting fabric will be heavier and denser. An airy, lightweight woollen-spun yarn may be a suitable alternative.

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]
1 US #10/6mm 32-40” circular and set of DPNs (or your preferred needle for knitting small circumferences in the round)
1 US #9/5.5mm 16”, 32-40” circular and set of DPNs (or your preferred needle for knitting small circumferences in the round)

Notions
stitch markers
removable stitch markers
cable needle
stitch holders or waste yarn
yarn needle

GAUGE

16 sts x 24 rows/rnds = 4 inches/10 cm in Left or Right Twist pattern with larger needles

PATTERN NOTES

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

Construction Method: This relaxed, boxy sweater features a beautiful central cable pattern with micro cables framing it along the sides. It begins at the back neck and is increased to the fullest width, worked to the underarms, and stitches are put on hold. Then, stitches are picked up along the increased edge for the shoulders and worked flat, separately, to create the fronts. Once the armhole depth is achieved, the fronts and back are joined and the remainder of the body is knit seamlessly. Eyelets are positioned to create a space for belt loops, and shaping is included to accommodate the hips. Stitches are picked up from around the front edge and worked flat with short row shaping for a deep shawl collar. Stitches for the sleeves are picked up from the armholes and worked seamlessly in the round from the top down.

Left Twist (LT): Knit the second st on the left needle through the back loop, knit the first st through the front loop, slip both sts from needle.
Right Twist (RT): K2tog but do not slip st from needle, knit the first st again, slip both sts from needle.
Left Purl Twist (LPT): Purl the second st on the left needle through the back loop, knit the first st through the front loop, slip both sts from needle.
Right Purl Twist (RPT): K2tog but do not slip st from needle, purl the first st again, slip both sts from needle.
1/3 Left Cross (LC): Slip 1 st to cn and hold in front, k3 from left needle, k1 from cn.
1/3 Right Cross (RC): Slip 3 sts to canble needle and hold in back, k1 from left needle, k3 from cn.
3/1 Left Cross (LC): Slip 3 sts to cn and hold in front, k1 from left needle, k3 from cn.
3/1 Right Cross (RC): Slip 1 st to cn and hold in back, k3 from left needle, k1 from cn.
3/1 Left Purl Cross (LPC): Slip 3 sts to cn and hold in front, p1 from left needle, k3 from cn.
3/1 Right Purl Cross (RPC): Slip 1 st to cn and hold in back, k3 from left needle, p1 from cn.
3/3 Left Cross (LC): Slip 3 sts to cn and hold in front, k3 from left needle, k3 from cn.
3/3 Right Cross (RC): Slip 3 sts to cn and hold in back, k3 from left needle, k3 from cn.

2-Stitch I-Cord Bind-Off:
Cast on 2 sts to left needle using the knitted cast-on. * K1, k2tog tbl (1 st bound off), slip these 2 sts back to left needle; rep from * until all sts have been bound off. Bind off rem 2 I-Cord sts.

CHARTS

front neck charts | back setup and body charts

Left Twists
(multiple of 4 sts, worked flat)
Row 1 [RS]: *P2, LT; rep from * to end.
Row 2 [WS]: *P2, k2; rep from * to end.
Row 3: *P2, k2; rep from * to end.
Row 4: * P2, k2; rep from * to end.
Rep Rows 1-4 for patt.

Left Twists
(multiple of 4 sts, worked in the round)
Rnd 1: *P2, LT; rep from * to end.
Rnds 2-4: *P2, k2; rep from * to end.
Rep Rnds 1-4 for patt.

Right Twists
(multiple of 4 sts, worked flat)
Row 1 [RS]: *RT, p2; rep from * to end.
Row 2 [WS]: *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
Row 3: *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
Row 4: *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
Rep Rows 1-4 for patt.

Right Twists
(multiple of 4 sts, worked in the round)
Rnd 1: *RT, p2; rep from * to end.
Rnds 2-4: *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
Rep Rnds 1-4 for patt.

Body Cable Panel
(panel of 28 sts, worked flat)
Row 1 [RS]: P3, 1/3 RC, p2, 3/1 RC, p2, 3/1 LC, p2, 1/3 LC, p3.
Row 2 [WS]: K3, (p4, k2) 3 times, p4, k3.
Row 3: P3, (k4, p2) 3 times, k4, p3.
Row 4: Rep Row 2.
Row 5: P3, 3/1 RC, p2, 1/3 RC, p2, 1/3 LC, p2, 3/1 LC, p3.
Row 6: Rep Row 2.
Row 7: Rep Row 3.
Row 8: Rep Row 2.
Row 9: Rep Row 1.
Row 10: Rep Row 2.
Row 11: Rep Row 3.
Row 12: Rep Row 2.
Row 13: P3, 3/1 LC, p2, 1/3 RC, p2, 1/3 LC, p2, 3/1 RC, p3.
Row 14: Rep Row 2.
Row 15: P2, (RPT, 3/1 LPC, 3/1 RPC, LPT) twice, p2.
Row 16: K2, p1, k2, p6, k2, p2, k2, p6, k2, p1, k2.
Row 17: P2, k1, p2, 3/3 LC, p2, RT, p2, 3/3 RC, p2, k1, p2.
Row 18: Rep Row 16.
Row 19: P2, LPT, 3/1 RPC, 3/2 LPC, RT, 3/2 RPC, 3/1 LPC, RPT, p2.
Row 20: K3, p4, k3, p8, k3, p4, k3.
Row 21: P3, 3/1 RC, p3, 1/3 RC, 3/1 RC, p3, 3/1 LC, p3.
Row 22: Rep Row 20.
Row 23: P3, k4, p3, k1, 3/3 LC, k1, p3, k4, p3.
Row 24: Rep Row 20.
Row 25: P3, 1/3 RC, p3, 3/1 RC, 1/3 RC, p3, 1/3 LC, p3.
Row 26: Rep Row 20.
Row 27: P2, RPT, 3/1 LPC, 3/2 RPC, RT, 3/2 LPC, 3/1 RPC, LPT, p2.
Row 28: Rep Row 16.
Row 29: Rep Row 17.
Row 30: Rep Row 16.
Row 31: P2, (LPT, 3/1 RPC, 3/1 LPC, RPT) twice, p2.
Row 32: Rep Row 2.
Rep Rows 1-32 for patt.

Left Front Neck Chart
(begins as panel of 2 sts, worked flat)
Row 1 [RS]: P1, M1PL, p1. 3 sts.
Row 2 [WS]: Knit.
Row 3: Purl.
Row 4: Knit.
Row 5: P1, M1L, p2. 4 sts.
Row 6: K2, p1, k1.
Row 7: P1, k1, p2.
Row 8: Rep Row 6.
Row 9: P1, M1L, k1, p2. 5 sts.
Row 10: K2, p2, k1.
Row 11: P1, k2, p2.
Row 12: Rep Row 10.
Row 13: P1, M1PL, RT, p2. 6 sts.
Row 14: K2, p2, k2.
Row 15: P2, k2, p2.
Row 16: Rep Row 14.
Row 17: P1, M1PL, p1, RT, p2. 7 sts.
Row 18: K2, p2, k3.
Row 19: P3, k2, p2.
Row 20: Rep Row 18.
Row 21: P1, M1PL, p2, RT, p2. 8 sts.
Row 22: K2, p2, k4.
Row 23: P4, k2, p2.
Row 24: Rep Row 22.
Row 25: P1, M1L, p3, RT, p2. 9 sts.
Row 26: K2, p2, k3, p1, k1.
Row 27: P1, k1, p3, k2, p2.
Row 28: Rep Row 26.
Row 29: P1, M1L, k1, p3, RT, p2. 10 sts.
Row 30: K2, p2, k3, p2, k1.
Row 31: P1, k2, p3, k2, p2.
Row 32: Rep Row 30.
Row 33: P1, M1PL, k2, p3, RT, p2. 11 sts.
Row 34: K2, p2, k3, p2, k2.
Row 35: P1, RPT, LPT, p2, k2, p2.
Row 36: K2, p2, (k2, p1) twice, k1.
Row 37: P1, M1L, (k1, p2) twice, RT, p2. 12 sts.
Row 38: K2, p2, k2, p1, k2, p2, k1.
Row 39: P1, k1, LT, RPT, p2, k2, p2.
Row 40: K2, p2, k3, p4, k1.
Row 41: P1, M1PL, 1/3 LC, p3, RT, p2. 13 sts.
Row 42: K2, p2, k3, p4, k2.
Row 43: P2, k4, p3, k2, p2.
Row 44: Rep Row 42.
Row 45: P1, M1L, p1, 3/1 LC, p3, RT, p2. 14 sts.
Row 46: K2, p2, k3, p4, k1, p1, k1.
Row 47: P1, k1, p1, k4, p3, k2, p2.
Row 48: Rep Row 46.
Row 49: P1, M1L, k1, p1, 1/3 LC, p3, RT, p2. 15 sts.
Row 50: K2, p2, k3, p4, k1, p2, k1.
Row 51: P1, k2, p1, k4, p3, k2, p2.
Row 52: Rep Row 50.
Row 53: P1, M1L, k2, p1, 3/1 RC, p3, RT, p2. 16 sts.
Row 54: K2, p2, k3, p4, k1, p3, k1.
Row 55: P1, k3, 3/1 RPC, LPT, p2, k2, p2.
Row 56: K2, p2, k2, p1, k2, p6, k1.
Row 57: P1, M1PL, 3/3 RC, p2, k1, p2, RT, p2. 17 sts.
Row 58: K2, p2, k2, p1, k2, p7, k1.
Row 59: P1, 3/1 RPC, 3/1 LPC, RPT, p2, k2, p2.
Row 60: K2, p2, k3, p4, k2, p3, k1.
Row 61: P1, M1L, k3, p2, 3/1 LC, p3, RT, p2. 18 sts.
Row 62: K2, p2, k3, p4, k2, p4, k1.
Row 63: P1, k4, p2, k4, p3, k2, p2.
Row 64: Rep Row 62.

Chart Left Front Panel
(panel of 14 sts, worked flat)
Row 1 [RS]: P1, 1/3 RC, p2, 1/3 LC, p3.
Row 2 [WS]: K3, p4, k2, p4, k1.
Row 3: P1, k1, 3/1 LPC, 3/1 RPC, LPT, p2.
Row 4: K2, p1, k2, p6, k1, p1, k1.
Row 5: P1, k1, p1, 3/3 RC, p2, k1, p2.
Row 6: Rep Row 4.
Row 7: P1, k1, 3/1 RPC, 3/1 LPC, RPT, p2.
Row 8: Rep Row 2.
Row 9: P1, 3/1 LC, p2, 1/3 LC, p3.
Row 10: Rep Row 2.
Row 11: P1, k4, p2, k4, p3.
Row 12: Rep Row 2.
Row 13: P1, 1/3 LC, p2, 3/1 LC, p3.
Row 14: Rep Row 2.
Row 15: Rep Row 11.
Row 16: Rep Row 2.
Row 17: Rep Row 9.
Row 18: Rep Row 2.
Row 19: Rep Row 11.
Row 20: Rep Row 2.
Row 21: P1, 1/3 LC, p2, 3/1 RC, p3.
Row 22: Rep Row 2.
Row 23: Rep Row 3.
Row 24: Rep Row 4.
Row 25: Rep Row 5.
Row 26: Rep Row 4.
Row 27: Rep Row 7.
Row 28: Rep Row 2.
Row 29: P1, 3/1 RC, p2, 3/1 LC, p3.
Row 30: Rep Row 2.
Row 31: Rep Row 11.
Row 32: Rep Row 2.
Rep Rows 1-32 for patt.

Right Front Neck Chart
(begins as panel of 2 sts, worked flat)
Row 1 [RS]: P1, M1PR, p1. 3 sts.
Row 2 [WS]: Knit.
Row 3: Purl.
Row 4: Knit.
Row 5: P2, M1R, p1. 4 sts.
Row 6: K1, p1, k2.
Row 7: P2, k1, p1.
Row 8: Rep Row 6.
Row 9: P2, k1, M1R, p1. 5 sts.
Row 10: K1, p2, k2.
Row 11: P2, k2, p1.
Row 12: Rep Row 10.
Row 13: P2, LT, M1PR, p1. 6 sts.
Row 14: K2, p2, k2.
Row 15: P2, k2, p2.
Row 16: Rep Row 14.
Row 17: P2, LT, p1, M1PR, p1. 7 sts.
Row 18: K3, p2, k2.
Row 19: P2, k2, p3.
Row 20: Rep Row 18.
Row 21: P2, LT, p2, M1PR, p1. 8 sts.
Row 22: K4, p2, k2.
Row 23: P2, k2, p4.
Row 24: Rep Row 22.
Row 25: P2, LT, p3, M1R, p1. 9 sts.
Row 26: K1, p1, k3, p2, k2.
Row 27: P2, k2, p3, k1, p1.
Row 28: Rep Row 26.
Row 29: P2, LT, p3, k1, M1R, p1. 10 sts.
Row 30: K1, p2, k3, p2, k2.
Row 31: P2, k2, p3, k2, p1.
Row 32: Rep Row 30.
Row 33: P2, LT, p3, k2, M1PR, p1. 11 sts.
Row 34: K2, p2, k3, p2, k2.
Row 35: P2, k2, p2, RPT, LPT, p1.
Row 36: K1, (p1, k2) twice, p2, k2.
Row 37: P2, LT, (p2, k1) twice, M1R, p1. 12 sts.
Row 38: K1, p2, k2, p1, k2, p2, k2.
Row 39: P2, k2, p2, LPT, RT, k1, p1.
Row 40: K1, p4, k3, p2, k2.
Row 41: P2, LT, p3, 1/3 RC, M1PR, p1. 13 sts.
Row 42: K2, p4, k3, p2, k2.
Row 43: P2, k2, p3, k4, p2.
Row 44: Rep Row 42.
Row 45: P2, LT, p3, 3/1 RC, p1, M1R, p1. 14 sts.
Row 46: K1, p1, k1, p4, k3, p2, k2.
Row 47: P2, k2, p3, k4, p1, k1, p1.
Row 48: Rep Row 46.
Row 49: P2, LT, p3, 1/3 RC, p1, k1, M1R, p1. 15 sts.
Row 50: K1, p2, k1, p4, k3, p2, k2.
Row 51: P2, k2, p3, k4, p1, k2, p1.
Row 52: Rep Row 50.
Row 53: P2, LT, p3, 3/1 LC, p1, k2, M1R, p1. 16 sts.
Row 54: K1, p3, k1, p4, k3, p2, k2.
Row 55: P2, k2, p2, RPT, 3/1 LPC, k3, p1.
Row 56: K1, p6, k2, p1, k2, p2, k2.
Row 57: P2, LT, p2, k1, p2, 3/3 LC, M1PR, p1. 17 sts.
Row 58: K2, p6, k2, p1, k2, p2, k2.
Row 59: P2, k2, p2, LPT, 3/1 RPC, 3/1 LPC, p1.
Row 60: K1, p3, k2, p4, k3, p2, k2.
Row 61: P2, LT, p3, 3/1 RC, p2, k3, M1R, p1. 18 sts.
Row 62: K1, p4, k2, p4, k3, p2, k2.
Row 63: P2, k2, p3, k4, p2, k4, p1.
Row 64: Rep Row 62.

Chart Right Front Panel
(panel of 14 sts, worked flat)
Row 1 [RS]: P3, 1/3 RC, p2, 1/3 LC, p1.
Row 2 [WS]: K1, p4, k2, p4, k3.
Row 3: P2, RPT, 3/1 LPC, 3/1 RPC, k1, p1.
Row 4: K1, p1, k1, p6, k2, p1, k2.
Row 5: P2, k1, p2, 3/3 LC, p1, k1, p1.
Row 6: Rep Row 4.
Row 7: P2, LPT, 3/1 RPC, 3/1 LPC, k1, p1.
Row 8: Rep Row 2.
Row 9: P3, 1/3 RC, p2, 3/1 RC, p1.
Row 10: Rep Row 2.
Row 11: P3, k4, p2, k4, p1.
Row 12: Rep Row 2.
Row 13: P3, 3/1 RC, p2, 1/3 RC, p1.
Row 14: Rep Row 2.
Row 15: Rep Row 11.
Row 16: Rep Row 2.
Row 17: Rep Row 9.
Row 18: Rep Row 2.
Row 19: Rep Row 11.
Row 20: Rep Row 2.
Row 21: P3, 3/1 LC, p2, 1/3 RC, p1.
Row 22: Rep Row 2.
Row 23: Rep Row 3.
Row 24: Rep Row 4.
Row 25: Rep Row 5.
Row 26: Rep Row 4.
Row 27: Rep Row 7.
Row 28: Rep Row 2.
Row 29: P3, 3/1 RC, p2, 3/1 LC, p1.
Row 30: Rep Row 2.
Row 31: Rep Row 11.
Row 32: Rep Row 2.
Rep Rows 1-32 for patt.

Sleeve Cable Panel
(panel of 28 sts, worked in the rnd)
Rnd 1: P3, 1/3 RC, p3, 3/1 RC, 1/3 RC, p3, 1/3 LC, p3.
Rnd 2: P3, k4, p3, k8, p3, k4, p3.
Rnd 3: P2, RPT, 3/1 LPC, 3/2 RPC, RT, 3/2 LPC, 3/1 RPC, LPT, p2.
Rnd 4: P2, k1, p2, k6, p2, k2, p2, k6, p2, k1, p2.
Rnd 5: P2, k1, p2, 3/3 LC, p2, RT, p2, 3/3 RC, p2, k1, p2.
Rnd 6: Rep Rnd 4.
Rnd 7: P2, (LPT, 3/1 RPC, 3/1 LPC, RPT) twice, p2.
Rnd 8: P3, (k4, p2) 3 times, k4, p3.
Rnd 9: P3, 1/3 RC, p2, 3/1 RC, p2, 3/1 LC, p2, 1/3 LC, p3.
Rnds 10-12: Rep Rnd 8.
Rnd 13: P3, 3/1 RC, p2, 1/3 RC, p2, 1/3 LC, p2, 3/1 LC, p3.
Rnds 14-16: Rep Rnd 8.
Rnd 17: Rep Rnd 9.
Rnds 18-20: Rep Rnd 8.
Rnd 21: P3, 3/1 LC, p2, 1/3 RC, p2, 1/3 LC, p2, 3/1 RC, p3.
Rnd 22: P3, (k4, p2) three times, k4, p3.
Rnd 23: P2, (RPT, 3/1 LPC, 3/1 RPC, LPT) twice, p2.
Rnd 24: Rep Rnd 4.
Rnd 25: Rep Rnd 5.
Rnd 26: Rep Rnd 4.
Rnd 27: P2, LPT, 3/1 RPC, 3/2 LPC, RT, 3/2 RPC, 3/1 LPC, RPT, p2.
Rnd 28: Rep Rnd 2.
Rnd 29: P3, 3/1 RC, p3, 1/3 RC, 3/1 RC, p3, 3/1 LC, p3.
Rnd 30: Rep Rnd 2.
Rnd 31: P3, k4, p3, k1, 3/3 LC, k1, p3, k4, p3.
Rnd 32: Rep Rnd 2.

DIRECTIONS

Back
Note: This section is also charted for your convenience. Download the chart above.
With larger needles, CO 32 sts for the back neck. Do not join in the round. Place removable stitch markers into the cast-on edge below the first and last stitch of the row to denote back neck.
Row 1 [RS]: P1, M1L, k1, pm, p3, [k4, p2] 3 times, k4, p3, pm, k1, M1R, p1. 2 sts inc'd, 34 sts.
Row 2 [WS]: K1, M1R, p2, sl m, k3, [p4, k2] 3 times, p4, k3, sl m, p2, M1L, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 36 sts.
Row 3: P1, M1PL, p1, LT, sl m, work Body Cable Panel to m, sl m, RT, p1, M1PR, p1. 2 sts inc'd, 38 sts.
Row 4: K1, M1PR, k2, p2, sl m, work Body Cable Panel to m, sl m, p2, k2, M1PL, p1. 2 sts inc'd, 40 sts.
Row 5: P1, M1L, k1, p2, k2, sl m, work Body Cable Panel to m, sl m, k2, p2, k1, M1R, p1. 2 sts inc'd, 42 sts.
Row 6: K1, M1R, p2, k2, p2, sl m, work Body Cable Panel to m, sl m, p2, k2, p2, M1L, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 44 sts.
Row 7: P1, M1PL, p1, LT, work in Left Twists patt to m, sl m, work Body Cable Panel to m, sl m, work in Right Twists patt to last 4 sts, RT, p1, M1PR, p1. 2 sts inc'd, 46 sts.
Row 8: K1, M1PR, k2, p2, work in Right Twists patt to m, sl m, work Body Cable Panel to m, sl m, work in Left Twists patt to last 5 sts, p2, k2, M1PL, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 48 sts.
Row 9: P1, M1L, k1, p2, k2, work in Left Twists patt to m, sl m, work Body Cable Panel to m, sl m, work in Right Twists patt to last 6 sts, k2, p2, k1, M1R, p1. 2 sts inc'd, 50 sts.
Row 10: K1, M1R, p2, k2, p2, work in Right Twists patt to m, sl m, work Body Cable Panel to m, sl m, work in Left Twists patt to last 7 sts, p2, k2, p2, M1L, k1. 2 sts inc'd, 52 sts.
Continuing in Main Cable as est, rep Rows 7-10, 2[3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] times more. 16[24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80, 88] sts inc'd, 68[76, 84, 92, 100, 108, 116, 124, 132, 140] sts.

Back shaping complete. Place a removable marker at the first and last stitch of the row.

Even Section
Row 1 [RS]: Work in Left Twists patt across 20[24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56] sts to m, sl m, work next row of Body Cable Panel to m, sl m, work in Right Twists patt across 20[24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56] sts to end.
Row 2 [WS]: Work in Right Twists patt to m, sl m, work next row of Body Cable Panel to m, sl m, work in Left Twists patt to end.
Cont even in patt as est until piece measures 2.75[2.5, 2.5, 2.25, 2.25, 2.5, 2.5, 3, 3, 2.75] inches / 7[6.5, 6.5, 6, 6, 6.5, 6.5, 7.5, 7.5, 7] cm from removable markers that indicate the last increase row of the Back shaping, ending after a WS row. Break yarn and place sts on holder or waste yarn. Take note of which row of Body Cable Panel and Right/Left Twists patt you end on.

Right Front
With larger needles, RS facing, and beginning at the removable marker at the end of increases on the right back shoulder, pick up and knit 18[22, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54] sts along the right shoulder line (1 st for every row), turn work.
Row 1 [WS]: K2, pm, * p2, k2; rep from * to end.
Row 2 [RS]: Work in Left Twists patt to m, sl m, p2.
Row 3: K2, sl m, work in Left Twists patt to end.
Row 4: Work in Left Twists patt to m, sl m, p2.
Row 5: K2, sl m, work in Left Twists patt to end.
Rep Rows 2-5 5 times more.

Shape Right Front Neck – Sizes XXS[XS, S, M, L, -, -, -, -, -] ONLY:
Row 1 [RS]: Work Left Twists patt to m, sl m, work Right Front Neck Chart to end. 1 st inc'd. 19[23, 27, 31, 35, -, -, -, -, -] sts.
Row 2 [WS]: Work Right Front Neck Chart to m, sl m, work Left Twists patt to end.
Cont working Left Twists patt and Right Front Neck Chart as est until piece measures approx. 8.75[10, 11, 12.25, 13.75, -, -, -, -, -] inches / 22.5[25.5, 28, 31, 35, -, -, -, -, -] cm from picked-up edge, ending on the same row of Left Twists patt that you ended with for the Back. Place stitches on holder or waste yarn and proceed to Left Front. Take note of which row of the Right Front Neck chart you ended with, as you will return to this chart later.

Shape Right Front Neck – Sizes -[-, -, -, -, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X] ONLY:
Row 1 [RS]: Work Left Twists patt to m, sl m, work Right Front Neck Chart to end. 1 st inc'd. -[-, -, -, -, 35, 39, 43, 47, 51] sts.
Row 2 [WS]: Work Right Front Neck Chart to m, sl m, work Left Twists patt to end.
Cont working as est through Row 64 of Right Front Neck Chart. 15 sts inc'd, -[-, -, -, -, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70] sts.
Note: Remove the marker separating the Right Front Neck Shaping Chart from the rest of the Left Twists patt.
Next Row [RS]: Work Left Twists patt to m, sl m, work Right Front Panel to end.
Next Row [WS]: Work Right Front Panel to m, sl m, work Left Twists patt to end.
Cont even as est, if necessary, until piece measures -[-, -, -, -, 15, 16.5, 18.5, 19.5, 20.75] inches / -[-, -, -, -, 38, 42, 47, 49.5, 53] cm from picked-up edge, ending on the same row of Left Twists patt that you ended with for the Back. Take note of which row of the Right Front Panel you ended with, as you will return to this chart later.

Left Front
With larger needles, RS facing and beginning at the left corner of the back neck cast on, pick up and knit 18[22, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54] sts along the left shoulder line (1 stitch for every row), turn work.
Row 1 [WS]: *K2, p2; rep from * to last 2 sts, pm, k2.
Row 2 [RS]: P2, sl m, work in Right Twists patt to end.
Row 3: Work in Right Twists patt to m, sl m, k2.
Row 4: P2, sl m, work in Right Twists patt to end.
Row 5: Work in Right Twists patt to m, sl m, k2.
Rep Rows 2-5 5 times more.

Shape Left Front Neck – Sizes XXS[XS, S, M, L, -, -, -, -, -] ONLY
Row 1 [RS]: Work Left Front Neck Chart to m, sl m, work Right Twists patt to end. 1 st inc'd. 19[23, 27, 31, 35, -, -, -, -, -] sts.
Row 2 [WS]: Work Right Twists patt to m, sl m, work Left Front Neck Chart to end.
Cont working Left Front Neck Chart and Right Twists patt as est until piece measures approx. 8.75[10, 11, 12.25, 13.75, -, -, -, -, -] inches / 22.5[25.5, 28, 31, 35, -, -, -, -, -] cm from picked-up edge, ending on the same row of Right Twists patt that you ended with for the Back. Place stitches on holder or waste yarn and proceed to Join Front and Back section. Take note of which row of the Left Front Neck chart you ended with, as you will return to this chart later.

Shape Left Front Neck – Sizes -[-, -, -, -, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X] ONLY
Row 1 [RS]: Work Left Front Neck Chart to m, sl m, work Right Twists patt to end. 1 st inc'd. -[-, -, -, -, 35, 39, 43, 47, 51] sts.
Row 2 [WS]: Work Right Twists patt to m, sl m, work Left Front Neck Chart to end.
Cont working as est through Row 64 of Right Front Neck Chart. 15 sts inc'd, -[-, -, -, -, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70] sts.
Note: Remove the marker separating the Left Front Neck Shaping Chart from the rest of the Right Twists patt.
Next Row [RS]: Work Left Front Panel across 14 sts, pm, work Right Twists patt to end.
Next Row [WS]: Work Right Twists patt to m, sl m, work Left Front Panel to end.
Cont even as est, if necessary, until piece measures -[-, -, -, -, 15, 16.5, 18.5, 19.5, 20.75] inches / -[-, -, -, -, 38, 42, 47, 49.5, 53] cm from picked-up edge, ending on the same row of Right Twists patt that you ended with for the Back. Take note of which row of the Left Front Panel you ended with, as you will return to this chart later.

Join Fronts and Back
Note: Review which row of the Back, Left, and Right Charts you ended with before joining the Fronts and Back. You will pick up where you left off and cont in patt as estab.
Joining Row [RS]: Work across Left Front sts as est to end, do not turn, pm for side, work as est over 68[76, 84, 92, 100, 108, 116, 124, 132, 140] held back stitches, pm for side, work across held Right Front sts to end.
Next Row [WS]: Work as est to end, slipping side markers as you come to them.
Cont working in patts as est through end of Left and Right Front neck charts. After all increases are complete, you will have 136[152, 168, 184, 200, 216, 232, 248, 264, 280] total sts, 34[38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70] sts for each Front, and 68[76, 84, 92, 100, 108, 116, 124, 132, 140] sts for the Back.

Main Body
Row 1 [RS]: Work Left Front Panel as est across 14 sts, pm, work in Right Twists patt as est to m, sl m, work in Left Twists patt as est to m, cont in Body Cable Panel as est to m, sl m, work in Right Twists patt as est to m, sl m, work in Left Twists patt as est to last 14 sts, pm, work in Right Front Panel as est across 14 sts to end.
Row 2 [WS]: Work next row of Right Front Panel to m, sl m, work in Left Twists patt to m, sl m, work in Right Twists patt to m, sl m, work in Body Cable Panel to m, sl m, work in Left Twists patt to m, sl m, work in Right Twists patt to m, sl m, work next row of Left Front Panel to end.
Cont working even as est until piece measures approx 7 inches / 18 cm from underarms, or desired length to Belt Loops, ending after a WS row.

Belt Loop Row 1 [RS]: Work in patt as est over 17[19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35] sts, (yo, work in patt as est over 34[38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70] sts) 3 times, yo, work in patt as est to end. 4 eyelets made, 140[156, 172, 188, 204, 220, 236, 252, 268, 284] sts.
Note: On Belt Loop Row 2, work the yo together with the preceding stitch. If the stitch before the yo is a purl stitch, p2tog; if the stitch before the yo is a knit stitch, k2tog.
Belt Loop Row 2 [WS]: (Work in patt as est to 1 st bef yo, work the next st and yo together) 4 times, work in patt as est to end. 136[152, 168, 184, 200, 216, 232, 248, 264, 280] sts.

Cont even in patt as est until piece measures approx 8.75 inches / 22.5 cm from underarm, ending after a WS row.
Rep Belt Loop Rows 1-2.

Shape Waist
Note: Maintain increased sts in reverse Stockinette stitch.
Row 1 (Inc Row) [RS]: Work in patt as est to 2 sts before side marker, M1PR, p2, sl m, p2, M1PL, work in patt as est to 2 sts before side marker, M1PR, p2, sl m, p2, M1PL, work in patt as est to end. 4 sts inc'd, 140[156, 172, 188, 204, 220, 236, 252, 268, 284] sts.
Rows 2-16: Work even in patt as est to end.
Rep Rows 1-16 3 times more. 12 sts inc'd, 152[168, 184, 200, 216, 232, 248, 264, 280, 296] sts.
Cont even in patt as est until piece measures approx 25 inches, or desired length, from underarms, ending after a WS row.
Bind off all sts using the 2-stitch I-Cord method.

Sleeves (make 2)
With larger needles for working small circumferences, RS facing, and beginning at the center of the underarm, pick up and knit 46[50, 54, 58, 64, 70, 76, 86, 90, 94] sts evenly around armhole. Pm and join to work in the rnd.
Rnd 1: P 1[3, 1, 3, 2, 1, 4, 1, 3, 1] , pm, work Left Twists patt 2[2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 5, 7, 7, 8] times, pm, work Sleeve Cable Panel over 28 sts, pm, work Right Twists patt 2[2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 5, 7, 7, 8] times, pm, p 1[3, 1, 3, 2, 1, 4, 1, 3, 1] .
Cont even as est until Sleeve measures approx 1.5 inches / 4 cm from picked-up edge.

Shape Sleeve
Note: Maintain Sleeve Cable Panel and Right/Left Twists patts as much as possible throughout Sleeve Shaping. If there are not enough stitches to work cable cross or twist, work these extra stitches in Stockinette stitch instead.
Dec Rnd: P1, ssp, cont in patt as est to last 3 sts, p2tog, p1. 2 sts dec'd, 44[48, 52, 56, 62, 68, 74, 84, 88, 92] sts rem.
Work 11[9, 9, 7, 5, 5, 5, 3, 3, 3] rnds even as est to end.
Rep the last 12[10, 10, 8, 6, 6, 6, 4, 4, 4] rnds, 2[3, 3, 2, 12, 7, 1, 12, 10, 8] times more. 4[6, 6, 4, 24, 14, 2, 24, 20, 16] sts dec'd, 40[42, 46, 52, 38, 54, 72, 60, 68, 76] sts rem.
Rep Dec Rnd. 2 sts dec'd, 38[40, 44, 50, 36, 52, 70, 58, 66, 74] sts rem.
Work 9[7, 7, 5, 5, 3, 3, 1, 1, 1] rnd(s) even as est to end.
Rep the last 10[8, 8, 6, 6, 4, 4, 2, 2, 2] rnds, 5[6, 6, 9, 0, 8, 17, 9, 13, 17] times more. 10[12, 12, 18, 0, 16, 34, 18, 26, 34] sts dec'd, 28[28, 32, 32, 36, 36, 36, 40, 40, 40] sts rem.
Cont even in patt as est until Sleeve measures approx 17.5[17, 16.5, 16, 15.5, 15, 14.5, 14, 13.5, 13] inches / 44.5[43, 42, 40.5, 39.5, 38, 37, 35.5, 34.5, 33] cm from underarm, ending after an even rnd. Change to smaller needle.

Cuff
Rnd 1: Knit.
Rnd 2: Purl.
Rnd 3: Knit.
Rnd 4: *P1, k2, p1; rep from * to end.
Rep Rnd 4 until Sleeve meas approx 19.5[19, 18.5, 18, 17.5, 17, 16.5, 16, 15.5, 15] inches / 49.5[48.5, 47, 46, 44.5, 43, 42, 40.5, 39.5, 38] cm from underarms. BO all sts using the 2-stitch I-cord BO.

Collar
Place a removable marker into the fabric at the end of the neck shaping on both the Right and Left Fronts.
With larger circular needle (40 inches or longer), RS facing, and beginning at the bottom of the Right Front, pick up and knit 85[91, 95, 101, 109, 113, 121, 129, 135, 139] sts evenly (approx. 3 sts for every 4 rows) along Right Front edge (ending at removable marker), pm, pick up and knit 62 sts along Right Front neck edge, 32 sts along Back neck edge, 62 sts along Left Front neck edge, pm, and 85[91, 95, 101, 109, 113, 121, 129, 135, 139] sts evenly along Left Front edge. 326[338, 346, 358, 374, 382, 398, 414, 426, 434] sts.
Row 1 [WS]: K1, *k1, p2, k1; from * to last st, k1.
Row 2 [RS]: K1, *p1, k2, p1; from * to last st, k1.

Begin short row shaping:
Short Row 1 [WS]: Cont as est to first m, sl m, cont as est to 2 sts bef next m, w&t.
Short Row 2 [RS]: Cont as est to 2 sts bef m, w&t.
Short Row 3: Cont as est to 3 sts bef last wrapped st, w&t.
Short Row 4: Cont as est to 3 sts bef last wrapped st, w&t.
Rep Short Rows 3-4 20 times more.
Next Row [WS]: Cont as est to end, working each wrap together with its corresponding st.
Next Row [RS]: Cont as est to end, working each wrap together with its corresponding st.
Work Collar Rows 1-2 once more. Bind off all sts using the 2-stitch I-Cord method.

BELT LOOPS (make 4)
With smaller DPNs, cast on 3 sts using your preferred method.
Work I-Cord: *Slide 3 sts to the opposite end of needle, k3; rep from * until I-Cord measures approx. 4 inches / 10 cm. Break yarn leaving approx. 8 inch / 20 cm tail. Thread tail through live sts and pull taut to fasten off.

With WS facing, gently push the cast-on end of the BELT LOOP through the lower eyelet of any vertical pair of eyelets in the Main Body of the cardigan, from WS to RS. With RS facing, gently push the cast-on end of the BELT LOOP through the upper eyelet, from RS to WS. Align the cast-on and bind-off edges of the BELT LOOP with one another. Thread the tail of the BELT LOOP through a tapestry needle and sew the ends together to create a closed loop. Rep for each column pair of eyelets (4 times total). Weave in ends.

BELT
With smaller DPNs, cast on 10 sts.
Row 1 [RS]: K1, [p1, k2, p1] 2 times, k1.
Row 2 [WS]: [K2, p2] 2 times, k2.
Row 3: K1, p1, LT, p2, RT, p1, k1.
Row 4: K2, p2, RT, p2, k2.
Rep Rows 1-4 until BELT measures 54[56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88] inches / 137[142.5, 152.5, 162.5, 173, 183, 193, 203, 213.5, 223.5] cm from cast on edge, ending after Row 2. Bind off all sts in patt.

FINISHING

Gently wash and block cardigan and belt to finished measurements. Weave in ends. Insert belt into belt loops, leaving each end at the front of the cardigan so you tie it closed, if desired.

A – Chest circumference at underarm: 34[38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70] inches / 86.5[96.5, 106.5, 117, 127, 137, 147.5, 157.5, 167.5, 178] cm
B – Hem circumference: 38[42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70, 74] inches / 96.5[106.5, 117, 127, 137, 147.5, 157.5, 167.5, 178, 188] cm
C– Shoulder width: 4.5[5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5, 12.5, 13.5] / 11.5[14, 16.5, 19, 21.5, 24, 26.5, 29, 32, 34.5] cm
D – Neck width: 8 inches / 20.5 cm
E – Upper arm circumference: 11.5[12.5, 13.5, 14.5, 16, 17.5, 19, 21.5, 22.5, 23.5] inches / 29[32, 34.5, 37, 40.5, 44.5, 48.5, 54.5, 57, 59.5] cm
F – Wrist circumference: 7[7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10] inches / 18[18, 20.5, 20.5, 23, 23, 23, 25.5, 25.5, 25.5] cm
G – Sleeve length: 19.5[19, 18.5, 18, 17.5, 17, 16.5, 16, 15.5, 15] inches / 49.5[48.5, 47, 45.5, 44.5, 43, 42, 40.5, 39.5, 38] cm
H – Body length from hem to underarm: 25 inches / 63.5 cm
I – Front neck drop: 14.75 inches / 37.5 cm

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Rachel Brockman is the creative lead for Universal Yarn and also designs independently. When she isn't knitting, she's probably playing with her pups, climbing, or watching John Carpenter's The Thing for the millionth time with her husband.

You can find her on Ravelry as Racheleilei and on Instagram as rachbrocknits.

Pattern & images © 2023 Rachel Brockman