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Ailbíona McLochlainn
> Shoreline Cardigan
























Shoreline Cardigan
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SHORELINE CARDIGAN
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Known for its dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and wildflower marshlands, the ever-changing shoreline of Inishowen forms its own microcosm, with its own unpredictable micro-climate. From gentle idyllic sunshine, to rapid temperature drops - accompanied by starlting gusts of wind and hail storms - you never know what sort of weather will greet you. As you explore this magical and temperamental land, it’s best to be prepared with the Shoreline Cardigan.
A simple top-down garter stitch knit, the Shoreline Cardigan is a chameleon. With a few quick button-flicks, it transform from a frolicsome sailor-collar top with plenty of ventilation, to a fully fortified jacket ready to brace the elements. Wear it closed, or wear it open. And prepare to make several - because wear it you shall!
This pattern is now available in DK and Chunky versions, all part of this one purchase.
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MATERIALS & INFORMATION
SIZE 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
garment measures as follows around bodice circumference:
90cm/ 6” (100cm/ 40”, 110cm/ 44”, 120cm/ 48”, 130cm/ 52”, 140cm/ 56”, 150cm/ 60”, 160cm/ 64”)
CONSTRUCTION
worked top-down, seamlessly, with raglan sleeve construction and short row neckline shaping; the collar and button-bands are integrated, so the garment is made in one piece with no edgings to pick up at the end.
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DK VERSION
Gauge
18 sts x 36 rows = 10cm/ 4” x 10cm/ 4” in garter stitch
(pattern notes explain how to alter gauge to suit you yarn)
Yarn
suitable for DK weight yarns
approximately 200m/ 100g
designed with Folklore Yarns Faerie Folk
(adaptable to Aran-weight as well)
Quantities
project requires
500g (550g, 600g, 650g, 700g, 750g, 800g, 850g)
Needles
4mm in diameter, or as needed to meet gauge
Notions
tapestry needle, scrap yarn, stitch markers, measuring tape, buttons (18 or as needed; 15mm in diameter)
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CHUNKY VERSION
Gauge
10 sts x 20 rows = 10cm/ 4” x 10cm/ 4” in garter stitch
Yarn
suitable for chunky-bulky weight yarns
approximately 100m per 100g
designed with Apple Oak Fibre Works Stockholm
Quantities
project requires
600g (700g, 700g, 800g, 800g, 900g, 900g)
Needles
8mm in diameter, or as needed to meet gauge
Notions
tapestry needle, scrap yarn, stitch markers, measuring tape, buttons (12 or as needed; 20mm in diameter)
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SAMPLES INFO.
red DK sample
made with Folklore Yarns Faerie Folk
shown in the colourway 2619 Far Darrig
Size 4
modelled with approximately 20cm/ 8” of ease
green chunky sample
made with Apple Oak Fibre Works Stockholm
in the colourways Foraiste & Glenn
(alternated in 2-row stripes, for a blended effect)
Size 3
modelled with approximately 15cm/ 6” of ease
grey chunky boucle sample
made with Höner och Eir VARV, Fin-weight
in the colourway Alla Ting
Size 3
modelled with approximately 20cm/ 8” of ease
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NOTES ON YARN SELECTION
- DK VERSION
The DK version of the pattern will suit a variety of DK weight yarns, from superwash merino to rustic tweed. If you find that your DK is too fine for the gauge, this pattern can be worked at a tighter gauge (19 or 20 sts per 10cm). Simply go up a size in the instructions.
Likewise, you can knit this pattern in an Aran weight yarn, and change the gauge to 17st per 10cm if the stated Gaige is too tight. Go down a size in the instructions to compensate.
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NOTES ON YARN SELECTION
- CHUNKY VERSION
Chunky-weight yarns worked in GS can be quite heavy, especially when making an entire garment. It is best to opt for an airy, lightweight yarn - such as a woollen spun yarn that can be worked above gauge.
MAKING YOUR OWN CHUNKY YARN
If you have trouble sourcing a suitable chunky yarn, be aware you can easily create an equivalent with lighter yarns you already have - by holding together two strands of DK weight yarn, three strands of fingering-sport-weight yarn (sock yarn is great for this!), or one strand of Aran weight yarn combined with one strand of laceweight silk-mohair, if that’s your thing. The curly-boucle effect of the grey sample shown can likewise be achieved with commercial yarns, by holding together a DK-weight yarn with a strand of boucle.
An additional benefit of holding together yarns in this manner, is that it allows for interesting marled effects. For a dramatic marl, hold together yarns in highly contrasting colours; for a subtle marl hold together yarns of similar colours. A pattern written for chunky weight is an excellent opportunity to play around with colour!
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Note: This pattern is an update of a 2017 design originally called ‘Winter Smock.’
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- First published: February 2026
- Page created: November 19, 2017
- Last updated: August 12, 2026 …
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