Skipwith Cardigan
By Rachel Atkinson
SKIPWITH
Everything I want in a cardigan: light fabric, quick to knit, interesting but unfussy details, and minimal finishing. Skipwith was born out of a desire for an everyday, go-anywhere cardigan and will quickly become a wardrobe staple.
SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Finished bust circumference: 81 (91, 101, 112, 122, 132, 142)cm / 32 (36, 39ľ, 44, 48, 52, 56)” – to be worn with 0-10cm / 0-4” positive ease
Emma has 91.5cm / 36” bust, stands 180cm / 5’11” tall and is wearing size 2 with zero ease
YARN
Daughter of a Shepherd Hebridean & Zwartbles 4ply (4ply / fingering weight; 75% Hebridean wool, 25%
Zwartbles wool; 400m / 437yds per 100g skein) x 2 (3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) skeins
Note: Size 1 uses the entirety of 2 skeins, so we recommend purchasing a third skein to be on the safe side.
TOOLS
• 2.5mm (UK 13-12 / US 1˝) circular needle, 80–100cm / 32-40” length
• 3mm (UK 11 / US 2˝) circular needle, 80–100cm / 32-40” length
Note: Skipwith is worked flat but circular needles are recommended, owing to the volume of stitches and for ease of joining the pieces at the yoke.
• Stitch holders or smooth scrap yarn
• 4 stitch markers
• 9 buttons, 12mm / ˝” diameter
• Tapestry needle
TENSION
24 sts and 36 rows to 10cm / 4” over stocking stitch on 3mm needles after blocking.
40 rows to 10cm / 4” over garter lace pattern on 3mm needles after blocking.
Take time to check your tension and adjust the needle size accordingly to ensure an accurate finish.
PATTERN NOTES
• Skipwith is worked flat in one piece from the bottom upwards to the underarm. Sleeves are worked separately and flat, before joining with the Body at the yoke. Raglan decreases shape the lower yoke with short rows across the Back. Repeats of the garter lace pattern from the hem and cuffs conceal further yoke decreases up to the neck. A button band is picked up and worked on afterwards to ensure a stable fastening.
• You will need up to 8 stitch holders so may find it easier to use scrap yarn for holding the underarm and Sleeve stitches.