Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary Cardigan by BabyCocktails

Design Overview

Bloody Mary is a knitted cardigan designed by Thea Colman of BabyCocktails, inspired by the aesthetic of a deep red, cozy tweedy sweater with 1960s silhouette influences. The design combines a low-belted dress silhouette with structural cable work to create a flattering garment that can be worn at multiple lengths—either as a longer, tunic-style cardigan or shortened to hip length based on personal preference.

Construction and Silhouette

The cardigan features deep ribbing throughout and incorporates chunky buttons as design elements that complement the bold cable work. The construction includes inward-slanting shaping details that provide a subtle slimming effect. The combination of cables and structured ribbing creates both visual interest and functional shaping that flatters the wearer's form.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

• Cable work: Bold cables serve as the primary structural and decorative element throughout the cardigan
• Ribbing: Deep ribbing is used extensively, particularly at cuffs, hem, and front bands
• Shaping: Inward-slanting decreases create the fitted silhouette
• Button bands: Structured front bands designed to accommodate chunky buttons

Yarn and Materials

The cardigan is worked in Harrisville New England Highland Tweed in the colorway Garnet, a deep red yarn that provides the tweedy texture and rich color central to the design. The yarn is aran weight, with each skein containing 200 yards. Yardage requirements range from 1000 to 1900 yards depending on size (sizes 5 through 10 available), with 5 to 10 skeins needed based on the chosen size. The pattern notes that testers typically had yardage remaining, making the estimates generous.

Needles and Tools

• Needles: US #7 (4.5mm) needles or size required to achieve gauge; long circular needles are recommended for working this project
• Notions: Darning needle for finishing
• Additional: Chunky buttons for closure

Skill Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, suitable for knitters with experience in cable work and garment construction. The combination of cables, shaping, and fitted silhouette requires solid foundational knitting skills.

Sizing and Customization

The pattern provides multiple size options with corresponding yardage calculations. For knitters preferring a shorter silhouette, the pattern can be easily adjusted by reducing length and adjusting proportions accordingly, with approximately 100 yards less yarn needed for the shorter version.