Inspiration can be found in the simplest, everyday things when you look at them from a different perspective. For example, the layered texture of a red cabbage, with its curved lines and swirls, can become an unexpected source of inspiration for a sweater pattern. Change the color palette of these swirls, and they might evoke the foam of a morning cappuccino, sea splashes, or sweet sugar lollipop.

What you will get

• detailed written instructions with step-by-step photos and stitch explanations
• full-color intarsia charts with stitch symbols (separate files for each size)
• sweater outline template for planning your own color palette
• swatch chart
• links to supporting video tutorials
All instructions, charts and tutorials are in English.

Design overview

A seamless, top-down cardigan with a contiguous yoke, beginning with a double-rib collar. The body is worked using intarsia, while the sleeves are worked in the round in a solid color. The entire garment is knitted in one piece, with no additional pieces or finishing details worked separately.
Techniques used in this pattern include intarsia, colorwork, textured stitch patterns, German short rows, increases worked from the wrong side, and a 2-stitch vertical i-cord edge. Written instructions and video support are provided for the techniques used in the pattern.

Sizes

Sizes range from S to XXL. The garment has a regular fit and falls approximately to mid-hip. Measurements are taken from the finished garment after washing and blocking.

S: Bust circumference: 103 cm / 40.5”; garment length: 60 cm / 23.6”; sleeve length: 71 cm / 28.0”.
M: Bust circumference: 107 cm / 42.1”; garment length: 60 cm / 23.6”; sleeve length: 72 cm / 28.3”.
L: Bust circumference: 111 cm / 43.7”; garment length: 60 cm / 23.6”; sleeve length: 72 cm / 28.3”.
XL: Bust circumference: 117 cm / 46.1”; garment length: 63 cm / 24.8”; sleeve length: 72 cm / 28.3”.
XXL: Bust circumference: 121 cm / 47.6”; garment length: 63 cm / 24.8”; sleeve length: 72 cm / 28.3”.

Yarn

This cardigan is a stash-friendly project.
My sample was knitted using Rowan Kidsilk Haze (70% mohair, 30% silk; 209 m / 25 g), held double throughout.
The yarn quantities listed below are approximate and are based on my sample size M (EU 36-38).
Main colors: approximately 250 g total
(4 × 25 g for each of the two main colors, plus 1.5–2 × 25 g of the third color)
Additional colors: approximately 100–150 g total
(used for smaller color sections and stripes)

Yardage: approximately 2,930–3,345 m / 3,200–3,660 yd total, including main and additional colors. The yarn is held double throughout. Yardage refers to the total length of yarn used, not the length of the doubled strand.

Gauge

garter stitch
10 × 10 cm (4 × 4”) = 18 sts × 34 rows, using 4 mm (US 6) needles.

combined stitch
10cm x 10 cm (4 × 4”) = 20 sts x 31 rows, using 4 mm (US 6) needles.

Tools

• 4 mm (US 6) circular needles, 80 cm / 32” — main fabric
• 3.5 mm (US 4) circular needles, 60–80 cm / 24–32” — neckline ribbing
• Circular needle for Magic Loop or 3 short flexible needles — sleeves
• Stitch markers
• Crochet hook and tapestry needle
• Yarn bobbins for intarsia — optional, recommended
• 7 buttons, 12–15 mm / ½–⅝“

Skill Level
Advanced.
This pattern assumes familiarity with chart reading and basic intarsia techniques. It requires a lot of patience, concentration and accuracy. It does not include tutorials for basic knitting skills.

Tested By
This pattern has been carefully tested in all sizes by a wonderful group of knitters:
Fie (@fieskrearum)
Gitte (@gjuhler)
Kate (@cococarlaknits)
Kristel (@_leoniiidaa_)
Olesya (@lesenokola)
Tanja (@wooliestanja)