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Level: Advanced. Some of the more complex skills utilized: two color cables, short rows, knitting a traveling cable while keeping track of sleeve decreases, steeking, binding off a folded collar.

About the Little Forests of Arda Cardigan:

Construction:

This sweater is worked by casting on the back neck first, then knitting the back panel, which is placed on hold. The shoulders are picked up and shaped from the cast on edge of the back panel, first left, then right. The right shoulder is then knit across, the neck front is cast on, and the left shoulder is knit across. Knitting continues back and forth for the remainder of the front panel. At the underarm, the remainder of the body is worked in the round.

The body is increased at the sides until hip circumference is reached. Approximately 9” (22.9cm) from the hem, cable colorwork is worked to create the forest motif. Sleeves are worked from the top down using German Short Rows. Around the elbow, cables are worked in a manner similar to i-cord in the contrast color to create the look of bracers on the lower arm.

The cardigan is then blocked and steeked before picking up the neckline and creating a folded military collar. Applied i-cord is worked along the steeked edge, around the collar, and down the opposite steeked edge for the finishing touch. Applique leaves are created and sewn to the cardigan for embellishment and loop closures using slip stitch crochet or duplicate stitching.

Instructions for knitting a pullover version are also included.

Sizing:

Sizes: 2 (4, 6, 8) {10, 12, 14, 16} years.

This pattern is designed to fit with 2” (5cm) positive ease throughout the chest and arms.

Gauge:

Sweater Body: 18 sts and 26 stockinette rows in 4” (10.2cm) blocked, with worsted weight yarn on US 7 (4.5mm) needles.

Cable colorwork: 18 sts and 22 rounds over a 4 x 4 inch (10.2cm) area of the blocked and finished motif. Note: One repeat is 3.55” (9cm) wide.

Materials:

Yarn:

560 (580, 620, 680) {700, 750, 790, 830} yards or 515 (530, 570, 625) {640, 685, 720, 760} meters in desired Main Color, and 220 (225, 250, 290) {295, 320, 320, 330} yards or 200 (205, 225, 265) {270, 290, 295, 300}meters in desired Contrast Color.

** Yardage reflects needs for cardigan pattern as written. These amounts will change if alterations are made. A pullover will use less yarn.**

Recommended yarn: De Rerum Natura Gilliatt, a rustic, non-superwash, worsted/aran woolen-spun merino. Though 270 yards (250 meters) in 100 grams brings to mind DK weight, the sample yarn knits up as a heavy worsted/aran. If you decide to substitute yarn, look for a stretchy wool yarn that has around 196yds/180m per 100g. Non-superwash is best for colorwork.

Suggested Needles:

Stockinette: US 7 (4.5mm) circular knitting needles.

Cable colorwork: US 8 (5.0mm) for Colorwork Rounds 1 and 34-49.

US 9 (5.5mm) for Colorwork Rounds 2-33.

Accents: US 5 (3.75 mm) for curled edges and applique leaves.

Circular needle lengths should correspond to the chest, hip, and sleeve measurements of your garment.

Notions:

Cable needle Color Catcher Tapestry needle

1 (1, 1, 1) {2, 2, 3, 3} buttons, 1” (2.5cm) diameter

Crochet Hook, Size 1/2.25mm (optional)

Stitch markers Steeking supplies.