Jorvik Cardigan

Jorvik Cardigan by Corrine Walcher

What Is Being Made

The Jorvik Cardigan is a cabled, top-down raglan cardigan designed by Corrine Walcher and inspired by the Norse settlement in England historically known as Jorvik, which later became York. This cardigan features distinctive cable detailing and is available in six sizes ranging from 32 inches to 52 inches chest circumference, with finished lengths between 14 and 17 inches. The design is constructed with integrated button bands on the fronts, eliminating the need for finishing work after completion.

Techniques and Construction

This cardigan employs the top-down raglan construction method, a popular approach in modern knitting that allows knitters to try on the garment as it develops and easily customize the length. The top-down method begins at the neckline and works downward, with increases occurring at the raglan lines to shape the sleeves and body simultaneously. This technique provides excellent fit control and eliminates the need for seaming.

A defining feature of the Jorvik Cardigan is its integrated button band, which is worked directly into the cardigan fronts as you knit rather than being added afterward. This construction method eliminates traditional finishing steps and creates a seamless, professional appearance without additional sewing or grafting.

Stitches and Cable Details

The Jorvik Cardigan showcases wrought iron cable work as its primary stitch feature. A prominent cable runs down the back of the cardigan, creating a striking vertical element. Smaller versions of the same cable pattern appear on the sleeves and at the side seams, creating visual continuity throughout the design. The cable work adds texture and visual interest while maintaining the cardigan's wearable elegance.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Dragonfly Fibers Selkie Sport, a luxurious blend of 90% Bluefaced Leicester Wool and 10% Mulberry silk. This yarn weight is classified as sport weight, a lightweight option that creates drapey, refined garments. The yardage requirement is 3 to 6 skeins depending on size, with each skein providing 340 yards. The sample cardigan shown was knitted in the colorway Captain Nemo.

Needles required include US #3/3.25mm circular needles measuring 32 inches or longer for the main body work, with larger sizes potentially benefiting from even longer circular needles for comfortable knitting. A set of US #3/3.25mm double-pointed needles or preferred small circumference knitting method is needed for working the sleeves and other small circumference sections.

Difficulty Level

The Jorvik Cardigan is rated as an intermediate knitting project. This difficulty level is appropriate for knitters with solid foundational skills who are comfortable with cable work, raglan shaping, and top-down construction. The integrated button band and cable techniques require attention to detail and pattern reading ability, making this an excellent project for advancing beyond beginner-level garment construction.