This classic cardigan was inspired by one of my favourite Edinburgh places - the Braid Hills. Covered with golden gorse in the Spring and early Summer, “The Braids” are a wonderful place for a walk, and a great viewpoint from which to enjoy Edinburgh’s spectacular landscape.
Sizing
Select the size above your actual bust measurement
Bust (with overlapped front bands)
31¾ (33¾, 35¾, 37¾, 39¾, 41¾, 43¾, 45¾, 47¾, 49¾) ins; 81 (86, 91, 96, 101, 106.5, 111.5, 116.5, 121.5, 126.5) cm
Gauge
24 sts and 32 rows to 10cm / 4in over stockinette st and cable pattern worked back and forth using gauge-size needles. This was achieved using 3.5mm / UK 10-9 / US 4 needles.
Construction
Micro-cables lend structure and definition to a neatly-fitting bodice. Twisted stitches run through the cable panels to the ribbing at the neck and hem, and this intertwined patterning is echoed on both cuffs. The body of the cardigan is worked in one piece from the bottom up, while the sleeves are picked up and set-in using short rows, worked from the top down. Button bands are picked up and added at the end, and the bands are lined for a professional finish.
Yarn
Approximately 800 (830, 900, 950, 1010, 1080, 1150, 1280, 1370, 1430) m / 870 (910, 980, 1050, 1100, 1200, 1260, 1400, 1500, 1550) yards of sport weight / light DK yarn that knits to gauge. Yarn quantities are approximate, and include a 5% margin to allow for swatching and small differences in gauge. If you intend to add length to either sleeves or body, be sure to buy an extra skein of yarn.
Needles and Notions
1 set below-gauge-size circular needles (3.25mm) 60-80cm / 24-32in long for working rib (these needles are one size smaller than those required to get correct gauge).
1 set gauge-size (3.5mm) circular needles 60-80cm / 24-32in long for working body
1 set gauge-size circular needles 20cm / 8in long, or dpns, or longer circ for working sleeves
1 set below-gauge-size circular needles 20cm / 8in long, or dpns, or longer circ for working cuffs
2 sets of stitch markers, X and Y.
2 sets of 2mm / UK 14 / US 1 circular needles in your preferred length for picking up sleeve caps.
Contrasting yarn for short-row placemarkers.
12mm / ½in buttons x 6-7.
6-7 snap fasteners.
1m / 1⅒yds grosgrain ribbon or linen tape (2.5cm / 1in wide) for button band lining.
Cable needle. Tapestry needle. Sewing needle and thread to match buttons and ribbon.