Cable Sleeved Cardi

Cable Sleeved Cardi by KNITSAFARI

What is Being Made

The Cable Sleeved Cardi is a seamless knit cardigan featuring distinctive cable-knit sleeves. This intermediate-level garment is designed with a modern construction approach that combines flat knitting and circular knitting techniques. The cardigan is available in multiple sizes, with yarn requirements ranging from 2 balls for smaller sizes up to 16 balls for the largest size, making it suitable for various body measurements and fit preferences.

Construction and Techniques

The Cable Sleeved Cardi employs a sophisticated seamless construction method that minimizes finishing work. The garment is knitted seamlessly to the underarms, establishing the foundation of the body piece. The sleeves are then knitted in the round, with the option to knit both sleeves simultaneously using the two-at-a-time method for experienced knitters seeking efficiency.

Once the sleeve sections are complete, the body and arms are joined together to begin raglan shaping, which creates a smooth, fitted armhole and shoulder line. This raglan construction allows for gradual decreases that shape the neckline area. After completing the raglan shaping, stitches are picked up around the neckline to knit a trim that finishes the neck opening. The final step involves grafting the underarm stitches together using the Kitchener stitch or similar grafting technique, which creates an invisible seam and completes the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Cable Sleeved Cardi features cable knit stitch patterns on the sleeves, which are the signature design element of this cardigan. Cable stitches involve crossing groups of stitches over one another to create twisted, rope-like textures. The body sections utilize standard knit and purl stitches to create a smooth stockinette or complementary fabric base that contrasts with the textured cable sleeves.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern is designed for super chunky weight yarn, specifically Cygnet Yarns Seriously Chunky or Mythically Chunky yarn. Super chunky yarn creates a dense, warm fabric that knits quickly and produces a bold, contemporary aesthetic. The yarn quantities vary by size to accommodate different measurements.

Needles: The pattern recommends 12mm needles for this project. The designer suggests using circular needles with a 100cm cable length for garment projects, as this length accommodates the body section and allows knitters to work sleeves two-at-a-time if desired. When stitch counts decrease and become too small for the long cable, the pattern accommodates switching to the Travelling Loop or Magic Loop techniques, which are methods for working small circumferences on circular needles without leaving gaps or creating twisted stitches.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Cable Sleeved Cardi is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle seamless garment construction, cable stitch patterns, and techniques such as picking up stitches, raglan shaping, and grafting. The optional two-at-a-time sleeve technique adds an advanced variation for experienced knitters.