Beyond the Wild Wood

Beyond the Wild Wood Cardigan by Åsa Tricosa

What is Being Made

Beyond the Wild Wood is a top-down, a-line aran cardigan designed as a comfortable everyday garment. This intermediate-level knitting project features a wrap-yourself-in-comfort silhouette that flares gradually from the shoulders down, creating an elegant a-line shape. The cardigan is available in ten sizes ranging from 81 cm (32 inches) to 127 cm (50 inches) in finished bust circumference, accommodating a wide range of body types.

Construction Method and Techniques

Beyond the Wild Wood is knitted using the Ziggurat construction method, a sophisticated top-down approach that minimizes seaming. The entire cardigan is worked as a single piece beginning at the shoulders, with the following elements knitted continuously in one sweep: the shoulder shaping, sleeve caps, body, front bands, and built-in pockets. This seamless construction technique creates a polished, professional finish throughout the garment.

The design features a distinctive flaring rib collar that is knitted on after the main body is complete. The pocket linings are finished last, with the final rows knitted to completion. This methodical approach ensures structural integrity and allows for precise fit adjustments during the knitting process. The result is a cardigan with no seams visible anywhere on the finished garment.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern employs rib stitching for both the collar and pocket details, creating textured, elastic elements that frame the cardigan and provide functional structure. The rib construction in the collar adds visual interest while maintaining the garment's drape and comfort. Ribbed edges ensure that pockets remain secure and maintain their shape through regular wear and washing.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The recommended yarn is Posh Yarn Caitlin in aran weight. This premium yarn blend contains 80% merino, 15% mohair, and 5% nylon, offering a luxurious feel with practical durability. Each skein provides 190 meters or 210 yards and weighs 100 grams. Yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size (81 cm) requires 1190 meters (1300 yards) across 7 skeins, while the largest size (127 cm) requires 1850 meters (2030 yards) across 10 skeins. Designers recommend purchasing an extra skein as a safety measure to account for gauge variations and personal knitting tension, or alternatively, knitters may choose to make the cardigan slightly shorter to conserve yardage. An alternative yarn suggestion is Artesano Aran, providing options for knitters seeking different fiber blends or availability.

Needles: The pattern calls for 5 mm (US 8) circular needles, which are essential for the top-down, seamless construction method used throughout this project.

Difficulty Level

This cardigan is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project, appropriate for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex construction techniques. The top-down, seamless Ziggurat method requires understanding of increases and decreases for shaping, as well as the ability to work with circular needles and manage multiple active stitches simultaneously. Knitters should be comfortable reading pattern instructions and making adjustments for fit as they work from the top down.