Chicago Soft

Chicago Soft Cabled Cardigan by Meiju Kallio

What Is Being Made

The Chicago Soft is a seamlessly constructed cabled cardigan designed by independent designer Meiju Kallio. This garment features prominent cable stitch work throughout, creating visual texture and interest while maintaining a drapy, lightweight silhouette. The cardigan is engineered to be worn with a small amount of positive ease, making it a comfortable layering piece suitable for various body sizes from XS through 3XL.

Construction Method and Approach

This cardigan is knitted using a top-down seamless construction method, which means knitting begins at the neckline and progresses downward to the hem. This technique eliminates the need for seaming and allows for easier fit adjustments during the knitting process. The pattern is designed with relatively large needles in proportion to the yarn weight, a deliberate choice that creates exceptional drape in the cabled fabric. This needle-to-yarn ratio prevents the cables from appearing stiff or overly structured, resulting in a soft, fluid garment that moves gracefully with the wearer.

Stitches and Techniques

The primary stitch technique featured in this pattern is cable knitting, which requires crossing groups of stitches over one another to create twisted, rope-like textures. The pattern utilizes chart reading, meaning knitters must be able to interpret visual stitch diagrams rather than relying solely on written row-by-row instructions. This is an essential skill for executing the cable patterns accurately throughout the garment. The seamless top-down construction also incorporates shaping techniques to create proper fit through the bust, waist, and body length.

Yarn and Materials

The Chicago Soft cardigan is designed specifically for Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light, a 4-ply weight yarn composed of 100% merino wool. This yarn is available in 115-gram skeins, with each skein providing 420 yards (384 meters) of fiber. The merino wool content ensures softness, breathability, and excellent drape characteristics that complement the cable stitch design.

Yardage requirements vary by size:

• XS: approximately 1465 yards (1340 meters) / 4 skeins
• S: approximately 1600 yards (1460 meters) / 4 skeins
• M: approximately 1880 yards (1715 meters) / 5 skeins
• L: approximately 2050 yards (1870 meters) / 5 skeins
• XL: approximately 2235 yards (2050 meters) / 6 skeins
• 2XL: approximately 2450 yards (2240 meters) / 6 skeins
• 3XL: approximately 2625 yards (2400 meters) / 7 skeins

Needles required are US 6 (4 mm) in a 32-inch circular length, appropriate for seamless top-down construction.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern accommodates seven size options with finished bust measurements ranging from 31.5 inches (80 cm) for XS to 55 inches (140 cm) for 3XL. The cardigan is designed to be worn with a small amount of positive ease, providing comfortable room without excess fabric. The sample garment shown was knitted in size S with a finished bust measurement of approximately 35.5 inches (90 cm) and approximately 2 inches (5 cm) of positive ease, displayed in the dust bowl colorway.

Skill Level

This pattern is classified as advanced difficulty, reflecting the requirement to read and work from charts while managing cable stitches in a seamless garment construction. Knitters should have solid foundational skills in cable work and chart interpretation before beginning this project.