Imogen Sweater

Imogen Sweater by Emily J. Designs

What is Being Made

The Imogen Sweater is a versatile layering cardigan designed by Emily J. Designs, suitable for dressing up or down in various styling contexts. This knitted garment features a flattering wide neckline, decorative eyelet details, and a slimmer fit silhouette. The cardigan is available in seven size options ranging from XXS to XXL, with finished bust measurements from 32 inches (81cm) to 50 inches (127cm) when buttoned, and finished lengths between 23 and 25.5 inches (58.5 to 64.5cm) depending on size.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its polished appearance. The cardigan incorporates eyelet details, which are decorative holes created through yarn-over increases and corresponding decreases—a classic knitting method that adds visual interest and breathability to the fabric. The wide neck design requires careful shaping and finishing to create the flattering neckline. The slimmer fit is achieved through strategic increases and decreases throughout the body and sleeves, requiring knitters to follow shaping instructions closely. Construction appears to use circular needles for seamless or nearly seamless knitting, a technique that reduces finishing work and creates a more refined final garment.

Stitches Used

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the Imogen Sweater utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with eyelet construction. Eyelets are created using yarn-over stitches paired with decreases (typically knit two together or slip-slip-knit decreases), which form small decorative holes in the fabric. The body and sleeves are worked in stockinette stitch or similar smooth stitch patterns that showcase the yarn's characteristics and provide an elegant drape suitable for a layering piece.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Imogen Sweater pattern calls for Berroco Skye yarn, a luxurious blend composed of 37% wool, 35% viscose, 20% yak, and 8% nylon. Each skein contains 273 yards (250 meters) and weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams). The pattern specifies the colorway 7629 Hydra for the shown sample. Yardage requirements range from 900 yards (823 meters) for the smallest size (XXS) to 1,600 yards (1,463 meters) for the largest size (XXL). Knitters may substitute any worsted weight yarn that knits to the specified gauge.

The pattern requires US 8 (5mm) circular needles measuring 28 inches (70cm) or longer for the main knitting, with the option to use double-pointed needles if preferred. A smaller needle size, US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles or double-pointed needles of the same length, is needed for ribbed sections or other stitch patterns that require a tighter gauge. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, flexible stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches temporarily during construction, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming if necessary.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Imogen Sweater is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction with shaping, eyelets, and finishing techniques. The pattern requires understanding of increases, decreases, stitch markers, and the ability to follow multi-size instructions and incorporate decorative stitch patterns into a wearable garment.