Swags and Tails: The 4-Way Wrap-Fronted Cardigan

This versatile garment combines all the elegance of a wrap with the fit and comfort of a cardigan. The main body is knit sideways in one long piece incorporating neck, shoulder and armhole shaping; short rows are used to create waist shaping; integrated sleeves are knitted from the top down to create a thing that both fits like a cardigan and sits like a wrap.

How to wear it
It wears like a cardigan except for the long front piece which tapers slightly so you can throw it over your shoulder or pin it to the front of your shoulder and let it drape down in gentle ‘waterfall’ curls – leaving both your arms free for alfresco dining on those cooler evenings. Optional buttonholes at the cast on edge of the wrap mean you can close the garment at the waist for a fitted look, or leave it open for a ‘loose and lacy’ summery feel, allowing the garment to slip on and off with minimum fuss. Do not fear the outdoor theatre or the evening barbeque this year: Swags and Tails, the 4-Way Wrap/Cardigan/Thing has got your back!

Sizing
The garment is designed to be hip length and close fitting with ¾ length sleeves. Sizes are nominally titled ‘Small’, ‘Medium’, ‘Large’ and ‘Extra Large’ and knit to the following measurements:

Width at waist: 80-86-90-97cm
Width at hips: 88-94-100-108cm
Length from nape of neck: 52-54-56-58cm

Wool/Yarn
Use with any standard DK yarn. Examples pictured are worked in King Cole Baby Comfort DK (grey) and Jarol Shetland Mist DK (navy). You could also use a 4ply/lace weight yarn for a thinner garment, changing needle size to obtain gauge (22st x 28r for 10cm).

If using DK yarn, you will need 400g (450g-450g-500g) respectively for the sizes stated above.

Pattern instructions
Written instructions are provided together with written lace instructions and row charts for each size to help you keep track of row numbers. A stitch glossary with pictures is also included.

Summary:
• Close fitting cardigan with wrap-style front

• Wear it 4 ways: pinned on the shoulder, over the shoulder, with the waist fastened or loose

• Body is knit sideways in one piece and is worked flat (back and forth)

• Sleeves can be knit flat or in the round – instructions for both included

• Waist shaping, boat neckline and ¾ length sleeves create an elegant look

• Use any DK wool/yarn

• Written instructions and row counting charts provided

• Probably not suitable for beginners: short rows, provisional cast on and integrated I-cord edging are used.