Blousey by Francesca Hughes

Blousey

Knitting
July 2018
DK (11 wpi) ?
22 stitches and 33 rows = 4 inches
in over pattern
US 5 - 3.75 mm
US 4 - 3.5 mm
1547 - 3095 yards (1415 - 2830 m)
1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
English
This pattern is available in print for £7.00.

Blousey is a super cosy slouchy cardigan. Starting with a lace trim around the bottom hem followed by a simple all over texture keeps the big boxy shaped garment engaging whilst you work your way to the baggy sleeves which are constructed in an interesting cast on and short row shaping, roll them up or leave them down, its up to you. Blousey shouts 90’s grunge whilst maintaining femininity.
The cardigan body is knit flat from the bottom up, to the armholes, where stitches are cast on for the right front sleeve first, and worked at the same time as neck is shaped and short rows shape sleeve. Stitches are then picked up across right back sleeve, back and cast on for left back sleeve. The whole wing span is worked. Stitches are then picked up and knit for left front sleeve, which is worked at the same time as neck line is shaped and short rows shape sleeves. Tops of sleeves and shoulders are joined using a 3 needle bind off. Neck back is picked up, knit, and worked in garter stitch.

Actual measurement finished bust: 88.5 (99.5, 110.5, 121.5, 130, 141, 152) cm / 34 ¾ (39, 43 ½, 48, 51, 55 ½, 60)” to wear with 4-6’’ positive ease.

Hem to Armhole
34.4 (34.5, 37, 37, 37, 39.5, 39.5) cm / 13 ½ (13 ½, 14 ½, 14 ½, 14 ½, 15 ½, 15 ½)’’.
Sleeve Length
33.5 (36, 39, 39, 39, 41.5, 41.5) cm / 13 (14, 15 ¼, 15 ¼, 15 ¼, 16 ½, 16 ½)’’.
Wingspan
109 (122.5, 133.5, 139.5, 143, 154, 159) cm / 43 ¼ (48, 52 ½, 55, 56, 60 ½, 63)’’.
Armhole Depth
19 (20, 22, 23.5, 25, 25.5, 26.5) cm / 19 (20 ½, 22, 23 ½, 24 ¾, 25 ½, 26 ½)’’.
Wrist Circ
32 (32, 36, 40.5, 45.5, 48, 50) cm / 12 ¾ (12 ¾, 36, 40 ½, 45 ¼, 48, 50)’’.

Viola Shadow DK 50% Polwarth, 35% Wensleydale, 15% Zwartbles (approx. 283m per 100g)
5 (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) skeins in shade (A) Down to the wire.
1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1) skein in shade (B) Eclipse
3.75mm circular needle at least 80cm long (to knit flat) (2 pairs)
3.5mm circular needle at least 80cm long (to knit flat and magic loop)
Scrap yarn for holding stiches
Stitch markers
7 (7, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8) Textile Garden 15mm shell buttons

Note: Yarn amounts are based on average requirements and are approximate.

Gauge
22 sts and 33 rows to 10 cm over main stitch pattern using 3.75mm needles.
Use larger or smaller needles if necessary to obtain correct tension.

Tips
Use stitch markers to keep track of side seams and where shoulders match.
Read ahead to see how the garment is constructed. Have confidence working short rows to help understand the sleeve shaping.
Use Jeny’s Stretchy Slipknot Cast-On, by Jeny Staiman when you get to casting on for the sleeves. It proves to be a sturdy and flexible seam. You can find a tutorial on YouTube.