My Opa cardigan by Lisa Chemery

My Opa cardigan

Knitting
April 2023
Aran (8 wpi) ?
16 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette
US 9 - 5.5 mm
US 8 - 5.0 mm
1000 - 1900 yards (914 - 1737 m)
XS (S, M, L // XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
English
This pattern is available for €7.50 EUR buy it now

How cozy can you get? With its generous garter shawl collar and NO-SEAM comfy pockets (no more fiddling around trying to figure out how to neatly sew pockets down!), this grandpa-style cardigan is a quick, fun knit and will be your absolute go-to for lounging around at home or to drape yourself into on chilly nights.
With optional hip-shaping and 2 suggested lengths, this cardigan can be easily customized for a great fit.

~~

CONSTRUCTION:

This cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down and features no-seam, anchored-as-you-go pockets. The sleeves are separated from the body at underarm level, then worked in the round. Stitches are picked up along the fronts and the neckline to work the shawl collar and button bands. The shawl collar is worked using German short rows (detailed explanations and link to video tutorial provided). Two body lengths are suggested: a shorter, hip-level length and a longer, “behind-covering” length (these lengths may need adjustment depending on recipient’s torso length.)

SKILLS REQUIRED:

Casting on, knitting, purling, increasing, decreasing, knitting in the round, picking up stitches, working German short rows (detailed explanations and link to video tutorial provided), binding off.

SIZES:

XS (S, M, L // XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
Please note that this pattern is based on women’s standard measurements.

  • To fit chest: 28-32 (32-36, 36-40, 40-44 // 44- 48, 48-52, 52-56, 56-60, 60-64) inches or 71-81.5 (81.5-91.5, 91.5-101.5, 101.5-112 // 112-122, 122-132, 132-142, 142-152.5, 152.5-162.5) cm

  • Garment chest at underarms (buttoned): 34.5 (38, 42.5, 46.5 // 50, 54, 58.5, 62.5, 66.5) inches or 87.5 (96.5, 108, 118 // 127, 137, 148.5, 159, 169) cm

To select a size, I strongly recommend using the recipient’s actual chest measurements and/or the finished garment measurements (comparing to a favorite sweater works well).

Model wearing the burnt-orange sample has a 37” or 94 cm chest and wears the “shorter,” version with optional hip shaping in a size M with 5.5” or 14 cm of ease.

YARN REQUIREMENTS:

Approximately 1000 (1125, 1200, 1300 // 1450, 1550, 1650, 1750, 1900) yds or 914 (1029, 1097, 1189 // 1326, 1417, 1509, 1600, 1737) meters of aran to chunky (10-12 ply) weight yarn for shorter version.
Note: For longer version plan about 100-200 yards or 91-183m extra though exact yardage will depend on specific yarn chosen and knitter’s individual tension.
Tip: I suggest using a woolen yarn - nothing too heavy to avoid stretching.

The sample above is the shorter, hip-length version, knit in Snefnug by CaMaRose (colorway 7887 brændt orange).

NEEDLES:

  • US 9 or 5.5 mm diameter circular needle (or size needed to match stockinette stitch gauge) at least 40 inches or 102 cm in length

  • 1 set of matching dpns (or use circular needle above if using the magic loop technique) for sleeves

  • US 8 or 5 mm diameter circular needle (or one size smaller in diameter than above) at least 40 inches or 102 cm in length for hem and button band/collar

  • 1 set of matching dpns (or use circular needle above if using the magic loop technique) for cuffs

NOTIONS:

  • 6 stitch markers including 2 lockable stitch markers
  • tapestry needle
  • 2 stitch holders or scrap yarn, and for pockets option only: 2 more stitch holders or extra circular needles
  • 5 (for shorter version) or 6 (for longer version) buttons 7/8 inch or 2.2 cm in diameter, or toggles, approximately 1.25 inch or 3 cm in length

GAUGE:

16 sts x 24 rows = 4 inches or 10 cm in stockinette stitch using larger needles, after blocking
Please adjust your needle size if needed to achieve gauge.