Free Knitting Pattern for an Elongated Cable Sweater
This pattern is for an oversized sweater with a bold, elongated cable design running down the front, back, and sleeves. The body begins with a ribbed section at the hem, then transitions to the cable pattern. The shoulders and neckline are shaped using a technique called “wrap and turn short rows” for a professional finish. The sleeves also feature the cable pattern and are shaped with decreases and short rows at the cap. A separate ribbed neckband is sewn on.
Sizing:
- Oversize: UK 10/12 – US 6/8 – EU 36/38. This is a single size, designed to be intentionally loose-fitting.
Skill Level:
Intermediate. Several factors contribute to this rating:
- Cable Knitting: Working cables requires manipulating stitches out of order using a cable needle.
- Short Rows: The “wrap and turn” short row technique is more complex than basic increases and decreases. It requires careful attention to detail.
- Multiple Needle Sizes: The pattern uses four different needle sizes to achieve the desired fabric texture and shaping.
- Seaming: The sweater requires seaming the shoulders, setting in sleeves, and sewing the neckband.
- Gauge Importance: The instructions emphasize the importance of checking gauge (tension) and washing the swatch, indicating that precise measurements are crucial for a good fit.
Materials:
- Yarn:
- Brand: Lana Gatto
- Name: New Baby Alpaca 70
- Fiber: 70% Baby Alpaca, 30% Extrafine Merino Wool
- Weight: 50g per ball
- Yardage: 125 meters (approx. 137 yards) per ball
- Quantity: 11 balls
- Shade: 30177
- Needles:
- 3.00mm (likely US 2 or 3)
- 3.25mm (likely US 3)
- 4.00mm (likely US 6)
- 4.50mm (likely US 7)
- An additional 4.50mm needle
- A double-pointed needle (for cabling)
- Other:
- Yarn needle (for seaming)
- Stitch markers (red, green, and white – used extensively for marking short rows and cable repeats)
