Concerning Hobbits

Concerning Hobbits Cardigan by Corrine Walcher

What is Being Made

Concerning Hobbits is a top-down raglan sleeve cardigan designed by Corrine Walcher. This knitted garment features a classic cardigan silhouette with optional gentle waist shaping for a more fitted appearance. The cardigan is available in six sizes, ranging from 32 inches to 52 inches in chest circumference, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The finished length is customizable based on personal preference, with standard lengths ranging from 14 to 17 inches from underarm to hem.

Construction and Design Features

The Concerning Hobbits cardigan is constructed using a top-down raglan sleeve method, which allows knitters to work from the neckline downward in one continuous piece. This construction technique eliminates the need for complex seaming and makes the garment quick to complete. The cardigan features an easily memorized lace edging that appears at three key locations: the cuffs, collar, and bottom edge. This lace detailing adds visual interest and elegance to the finished piece without requiring advanced lace-knitting skills. The minimal finishing required—only weaving in ends—makes this an efficient project from start to finish.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level knitters. The lace edging uses a repeating lace stitch pattern that is simple enough to memorize, allowing knitters to work without constantly referencing the pattern instructions. The raglan construction involves strategic increases worked at regular intervals to create the characteristic diagonal lines of raglan sleeves. The optional waist shaping is achieved through strategic decreases and increases, allowing knitters to customize the fit. The straightforward stitch work combined with bulky yarn weight makes this an accessible intermediate project that can be completed relatively quickly.

Yarn and Materials

The Concerning Hobbits cardigan is designed to be worked in chunky to super chunky weight yarn. The sample was knit using Dragonfly Fibers Super Traveler, a 100% superwash merino wool yarn that provides 107 yards per 4-ounce skein. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 5 skeins for the smallest size (32 inches chest) to 11 skeins for the largest size (52 inches chest). The superwash merino fiber content ensures durability and easy care, while the bulky yarn weight contributes to the quick knitting time. Knitters will need appropriately sized needles for working with chunky and super chunky weight yarns, though specific needle sizes are detailed within the complete pattern.

Project Inspiration and Characteristics

Concerning Hobbits was designed and knit during Thanksgiving weekend while the designer watched the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies, with the body bound off during The Return of The King and the entire sweater completed during The Battle of Five Armies. This thematic inspiration is reflected in the cardigan's name and design philosophy. The pattern is offered as a downloadable PDF, making it immediately accessible to knitters worldwide. As an independent designer pattern, it represents original work created by Corrine Walcher and is protected by copyright, with commercial use prohibited.