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I designed this sweater some years ago, for a friend who loves cables and hates to purl. One day we were looking at a book of Aran patterns and she said, ‘If only it were possible to knit a cabled sweater without purling at all!’ I thought about it. And actually… why not? I jotted down instructions in her size, and a purl-free cabled sweater was born. The design proved popular among friends, and after knitting a few of these over the years I finally decided to write up a proper pattern in case others might enjoy knitting it. The name is a nod to my friend’s love of Walt Whitman. 



True to the original intent of the design, Braids of Grass is a circular yoke pullover featuring cables that are constructed entirely out of knit stitches. The cuffs and hem are finished with miniature versions of these same knit-only cables, keeping the selvage edgings from curling while adding visual and textural interest. The result is a sweater that looks exuberant, but is shockingly simple to knit. No purling required!

This pattern includes a schematic with detailed measurements.

This pattern includes a cable chart, as well as written instructions.

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MATERIALS & INFORMATION



Size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
garment measures as follows around chest circumference:
87cm/ 34.75” (95cm/ 38”, 102cm/ 40.75”, 109cm/ 43.5”, 115cm/ 46”, 123cm/ 49.25”, 133cm/ 53.25”, 143cm/ 57.25”, 153cm/ 61.5”)

Yarn 

suitable for DK to Aran weight yarns, 

approximately 150-200m/ 165-220y per 100g/3.5oz
project requires 5 (6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9) 100g/ 3.5oz skeins 



Gauge
18 sts x 25 rows = 10cm x 10cm/ 4” x 4”
in stockinette

Needles

circular needle, 4.5mm (US 7) in diameter,

or as needed to meet gauge

Notions 

stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle, 
scrap yarn, measuring tape

Special Techniques
basic cables, provisional cast-on

Garment Construction

This front-back reversible pullover is worked in the round, from the top down, with circular yoke construction. Both the plain and the cabled sections are worked entirely in stockinette.

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NOTES

Sample Information
. The green sample is knitted in Studio Donegal Aran Tweed. It is a Size 2 and is modelled with 5cm/2” of ease.

. The white sample is knitted in Kerry Woollen Mills undyed Aran. It is a Size 4, with a full length bodice, and is modelled with 10cm/4” of ease.

Potential Modifications
. Be aware that this pattern is deliberately designed to be front-back reversible (this means it has no neckline shaping). If so desired, you can raise the back of the neck, by adding short rows. Optional instructions for this are provided in the Appendix.

. If adding length to the semi-cropped bodice, I strongly recommend working additional increases so that the hem has sufficient ease around the hips.Optional instructions for this are provided in the Appendix.