Inishfree

Inishfree Man's Cabled Hoodie by Rita Taylor

What is Being Made

The Inishfree is a men's cabled hoodie designed by Rita Taylor, a sophisticated knitted sweater featuring decorative cable and honeycomb stitch details. This garment is available in three sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—with finished chest measurements of 42, 45, and 49 centimeters respectively. The hoodie offers a contemporary fit with sleeve length of 20 centimeters across all sizes and body lengths ranging from 27 to 30 centimeters depending on size selection.

Techniques Used

This advanced-level knitting project employs several sophisticated shaping and stitch manipulation techniques. The construction begins with ribbed edging worked on smaller needles to create a fitted base, followed by strategic increases to achieve the desired finished measurements. Cable techniques form the primary decorative element, requiring the use of a cable needle to create twisted stitch patterns. The honeycomb stitch, a textured pattern created through twisted stitches, adds visual interest and dimensional texture throughout the garment. The design incorporates toggle button closures, indicating a structured front opening typical of hoodie construction.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes a range of fundamental and advanced stitches:

• Knit and Purl: Basic stitches forming the foundation of the fabric
• Ribbing (K2 P2): Used for the initial 17-row edging to create elasticity and structure at the cuffs and hem
• Cable Stitches: C2L (cable 2 left) involves slipping 2 stitches to a cable needle, holding to front, purling the next stitch, then knitting the 2 stitches from the cable needle. C2R (cable 2 right) requires slipping 1 stitch to a cable needle, holding to back, knitting 2 stitches, then knitting the held stitch
• Twisted Stitches: Tw2R and Tw2L create the honeycomb texture by knitting into stitches in reverse order before lifting them off the needle
• Honeycomb Stitch: A four-row repeat pattern alternating twisted stitch rows with purl rows, creating a distinctive textured surface

Materials and Specifications

The Inishfree requires light Aran weight yarn, with yardage totaling 800 grams for Small, 850 grams for Medium, and 950 grams for Large. The pattern calls for three needle sizes: 3.75mm needles for the ribbed edging, 4.5mm needles (likely for transition sections), and 5mm needles for the main fabric. The working tension is established at 22 stitches and 28 rows over 10 centimeters on 5mm needles, making accurate gauge essential for proper fit. Three toggle buttons are required for the front closure. This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Rita Taylor is classified as advanced difficulty, suitable for experienced knitters comfortable with cable work and complex stitch patterns.