Ready for a challenge? Trailhead is toothsome knitting with eye-catching results. This A-line raglan cardigan features twin strands of diamonds forking upward from the back hem. The fronts are in stockinette with handsome pockets for trailside treasures; the back is emblazoned with a dramatic V of reverse stockinette to show off cables filled with moss stitch. All pieces are knit flat, and an unusual shaping scheme provides a tailored fit around the shoulders but also means you’ll need your wits about you as you work the back and yoke. The double-ribbed collar and button bands are worked on stitches picked up from the neck edge and the fronts; wear the collar turned up or down. Trailhead is knit in Loft held double for a dense, outerwear fabric—you may want to consider choosing two different hues for a marled effect.

Yardage

3345 (3575, 4020, 4290, 4715, 5000) yards of fingering weight wool yarn (held double throughout)

Yarn

13 (13, 15, 16, 18, 19) skeins of Brooklyn Tweed Loft (100% American Targhee-Columbia wool; 275 yards/50g)

Photographed in color Artifact

Gauge

19½ stitches & 30 rows = 4” in stockinette with Size A needle(s) and yarn held double, after blocking
23-stitch cable from Chart A measures 4” wide with Size A needle(s) and yarn held double, after blocking

Needles

Size A (for Main Fabric)
One pair of straight needles or a 32” circular needle* in size needed to obtain gauge listed
Suggested Size: 5 mm (US 8)

Size B (for ribbing)
One 32” circular needle, one size smaller than Size A
Suggested Size: 4½ mm (US 7)

Finished Dimensions

37¾ (40½, 46, 48¾, 53½, 56¾)“ circumference at bust

Intended Ease: +4-6”
Sample shown is size 40½“ with +6” ease on model

Tutorials for all special techniques listed below are included in the pattern:
Short Rows: Wrap & Turn Method
Sloped Bind Off
Sewn Bind Off (Elizabeth Zimmermann’s method)

Skill Level

5 out of 5