Fanel

Fanel Cardigan by Tête Bêche Designs

What is Being Made

Fanel is a versatile V-neck cardigan designed by Orlane Sucche for Tête Bêche Designs. This garment is suitable for many styles and situations, offering an elegant yet approachable design that combines simplicity with refined details. The cardigan is available in nine sizes, with finished bust circumferences ranging from 94.5 cm (37 1/4 inches) to 157.5 cm (62 inches), making it adaptable for various body types and fit preferences.

Construction Method and Techniques

Fanel is worked from the top down, a construction method that allows for easy fitting adjustments during the knitting process. The garment is structured as follows: the body and sleeves are initially worked together, then divided at the underarm and completed separately. The sleeves are worked circularly in the round down to the sleeve cuff, which provides a seamless finish and maintains consistent stitch tension. After the body and sleeves are complete, stitches for the neckband are picked up and worked flat, creating a defined V-neck opening with a finished edge.

Stitch Details and Design Elements

While simple in overall construction, Fanel stands out through its thoughtful design details. The cardigan features a broken rib pattern that adds visual texture and interest to the fabric. Additional refinements include folded cuffs at the wrists and hem, which create a polished, professional appearance. The shoulder shaping is carefully considered to ensure proper fit and garment drape. Discreet buttonholes are integrated into the cardigan front, allowing for functional closure while maintaining the elegant aesthetic.

Yarn and Materials

Fanel is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that provides excellent stitch definition and drape suitable for a refined cardigan. The pattern was created in collaboration with Annabel Williams, who specializes in natural dyes applied to carefully and ecologically selected yarns. This partnership emphasizes sustainable and environmentally conscious yarn sourcing, allowing knitters to create Fanel with yarns that reflect both quality and ethical production values.

Skill Level and Knitting Experience

Fanel is rated as an intermediate difficulty project, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. While the garment is described as fun to knit and not overly complex, the intermediate rating reflects the skills required to execute top-down construction, manage increases and decreases for shaping, work circular sleeves, and pick up stitches for the neckband finishing. Knitters at this level will find the project engaging and rewarding.

Tools Required

To complete the Fanel cardigan, knitters will need appropriate needles for DK weight yarn. Circular needles are essential for working the sleeves in the round and for managing the larger stitch counts of the body sections. Straight needles or additional circular needles may be used for the flat neckband work, depending on individual preference and available tools.