Moraine

Moraine Wrap Cardigan by Laura Chau

What is Being Made

Moraine is a sophisticated wrap cardigan designed by Laura Chau, featuring a distinctive combination of intricate cable work on the back with clean, minimalist stockinette stitch on the front panels. This garment is engineered as a cozy layering piece with an extra-long shawl collar that provides versatile styling options. The cardigan is intended to be worn with 2-4 inches of positive ease at the bust for a relaxed, casual fit that drapes beautifully over base layers like tees and blouses.

Construction Techniques

The Moraine cardigan employs a sophisticated mixed construction method that combines flat and circular knitting techniques. The front panels and back are worked flat on straight needles, allowing for precise shaping and cable placement on the back. The set-in sleeves are initially worked in the round to the underarm using circular needles or double-pointed needles, then transitioned to flat knitting for the sleeve cap shaping. This hybrid approach provides both the structural benefits of circular knitting and the control of flat construction where needed.

The garment pieces are then sewn together using mattress stitch or similar seaming techniques. The extra-long shawl collar is worked after the body and sleeves are assembled, allowing it to be shaped and fitted to the neckline. Functional waist ties are knitted separately and strategically sewn to the side seams, keeping them out of the way of the prominent cable pattern on the back. The collar is finished with a professional I-cord bind off, creating a neat, durable edge that complements the garment's polished aesthetic.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: Used on the front panels for a smooth, classic appearance that provides visual contrast to the textured back
• Cable Stitches: Featured prominently on the back in an intricate pattern that serves as the design focal point
• Ribbing: Long ribbed sleeves provide structure, shape retention, and a professional finish while allowing stretch for comfortable wear
• I-cord Bind Off: Applied to the shawl collar edge for a refined, durable finish

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Moraine cardigan is worked in aran weight yarn, a medium-heavy yarn weight that provides excellent stitch definition for cable work while creating a substantial, cozy fabric. The pattern sample shown was knitted in Fleece Artist Organic Wool, which is composed of 100% organic merino wool, offering softness, breathability, and natural temperature regulation ideal for a wrap-style layering piece.

Aran weight yarn on appropriate needles creates fabric with good drape and structure, making it suitable for the set-in sleeve construction and the long shawl collar that requires both flexibility and shape retention. The yarn weight is substantial enough to showcase the cable pattern details without excessive bulk.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, reflecting the complexity of the cable work on the back, the mixed construction methods combining flat and circular knitting, and the intermediate seaming and finishing techniques required. Knitters should have solid experience with cable stitches, set-in sleeve construction, and garment assembly before undertaking this project. The pattern includes technical editing by Alexandra Vir, ensuring accuracy and clarity for experienced knitters.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern is shown in size 40 inches (103 centimeters) bust with 2 inches (5 centimeters) of positive ease. Designers recommend measuring a favorite sweater with a desired fit and selecting the size closest to that measurement, rather than relying on standard sizing, to ensure optimal results. The extra-long shawl collar can be worn scrunched up at the back of the neck for additional warmth and style versatility.