Elias‘ Cable Sweater

Elias' Cable Sweater by Mats&Ida

What is Being Made

Elias' Cable Sweater is a children's knitted pullover sweater designed by the independent designer brand Mats&Ida. This beginner-friendly pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is sized for children ranging from 12-18 months through 6 years old. The sweater features a classic cable knit design and is constructed using a combination of two premium yarn types for a sophisticated finish.

Garment Specifications

• Available Sizes: 12-18 months, 2 years, 4 years, and 6 years
• Chest Circumference: 62 cm, 66 cm, 72 cm, and 77 cm respectively
• Total Length: 33 cm, 38 cm, 40 cm, and 44 cm respectively

Knitting Techniques Used

Elias' Cable Sweater employs a bottom-up construction method, a popular technique for creating well-fitting garments. The front and back panels are initially worked separately in the round, as are the sleeves. Once these individual pieces reach the appropriate length, they are combined onto a single circular needle to create the raglan yoke shaping. This raglan construction technique allows for seamless increases that create a smooth, comfortable fit across the shoulders and upper body.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the sweater is glatt rechts (stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface ideal for showcasing the cable details. Cable stitches are incorporated as decorative elements, requiring the use of an auxiliary needle or cable needle to create the characteristic twisted rope-like texture. The pattern requires working with 4 stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction points.

Materials and Yarn

This sweater is designed to be worked with two complementary yarn types held together simultaneously, creating a luxurious blended fabric:

• Drops Alpaca: A soft, lightweight yarn available in both a base color and contrast color. Yardage varies by size: 50g base color and 50g contrast color for the smallest size (12-18 months), increasing to 100g base color and 50g contrast color for the 2-year size, with 100g base color and 50g contrast color for both the 4-year and 6-year sizes.
• Drops Brushed Alpaca Silk: A premium blended yarn combining alpaca with silk for added sheen and drape. Requirements include 50g base color and 25g contrast color for the 12-18 month size, with 50g base color and 25g contrast color for all larger sizes.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires circular needles in two sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction:

• Circular Needles (60 cm length): Size 5.5 and Size 6 for the main body and yoke construction
• Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs): Size 5.5 and Size 6 for working the sleeve caps and smaller circumferences
• Auxiliary Tools: A cable needle or auxiliary needle for manipulating cable stitches, and 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern placement

Gauge Information

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit in this children's sweater. The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 21 rows over 10 x 10 cm when working stockinette stitch with one strand each of Drops Alpaca and Drops Brushed Alpaca Silk held together on Size 6 needles. Knitters should always knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure their finished sweater matches the intended dimensions.

Skill Level

Designated as a beginner-level pattern, Elias' Cable Sweater is accessible to knitters new to garment construction. The straightforward bottom-up method, combined with basic cable techniques, makes this an excellent introductory project for those looking to expand their skills beyond simple scarves and blankets into fitted children's garments.