Maiar Cardigan

Maiar Cardigan by Corrine Walcher

What is Being Made

The Maiar Cardigan is a crew-neck, hip-length cardigan designed by Corrine Walcher. This intermediate-level knitting project features intricately cabled sleeves and mirrored cable fronts as its signature design elements. The cardigan's name derives from the root word meaning "excellence" in Quenya, the elvish language created by J.R.R. Tolkien. Available in six sizes, the finished chest measurements range from 32 inches to 52 inches, with corresponding sleeve circumferences from 15.5 to 20.5 inches and total lengths from 21.5 to 27 inches when measured from cast-on edge to shoulder seam.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. Cable knitting is central to the design, appearing prominently on both the sleeves and front panels in a mirrored arrangement. The construction involves knitting in the round for portions of the garment, requiring knitters to maintain consistent gauge in both flat and circular knitting. The crew-neck construction and hip-length shaping demonstrate fundamental garment construction skills, while the mirrored cable fronts require careful attention to pattern placement and symmetry.

Stitches Used

While specific stitch counts and cable crossing patterns are detailed within the full pattern instructions, the Maiar Cardigan relies heavily on cable stitches as its primary decorative element. The pattern utilizes standard knitting stitches combined with cable crosses to create the textured, dimensional appearance of the interlocking cables on the sleeves and front panels. Knitters should be comfortable reading cable charts and executing cable crosses at regular intervals throughout the project.

Materials

• Yarn: Tempting Ewe Yarns Luxe Aran, a blend of 90% superwash merino wool and 10% mulberry silk. Each skein contains 270 yards and weighs 125 grams. The sample cardigan shown was knit in the colorway Lórellin. Yardage requirements range from 1,080 yards for the smallest size to 1,890 yards for the largest size (4 to 7 skeins depending on size).
• Needles: US #6/4.00mm circular needle measuring 32 inches or longer (knitters working larger sizes may prefer an even longer needle for comfortable knitting). Additionally, a set of US #6/4.00mm double-pointed needles or preferred circular knitting method for working in the round is required. Needle size should be adjusted as needed to achieve proper gauge in both flat and circular knitting.

Yarn Weight and Difficulty

The Maiar Cardigan is designed for intermediate knitters and works with aran, worsted, and DK weight yarns, offering flexibility in yarn selection while maintaining the intended drape and finished dimensions. The superwash merino and silk blend of the recommended yarn provides both durability and a luxurious feel, with the silk content adding subtle sheen to the finished garment. Knitters should verify gauge carefully before beginning, as achieving correct gauge in both flat and circular knitting is essential for proper fit, particularly given the cable-heavy construction.