Respectable Raccoon

Respectable Raccoon Cardigan by Bunnymuff

What is Being Made

The Respectable Raccoon is a knitted cardigan designed by independent designer Mona Zillah of bunnymuff. This garment celebrates the natural dexterity of raccoons, drawing inspiration from the Powhatan word "aroughcun," which translates to "animal that scratches with its hands." The cardigan is available in multiple sizes and features optional waist shaping for a customizable fit.

Craft and Primary Technique

This is a knitting project suitable for knitters with intermediate skill levels. The pattern employs advanced shaping techniques to create a well-constructed cardigan with professional finishing details.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• 1x1 Ribbing - Worked over an even number of stitches, alternating knit and purl stitches (k1, p1) to create elastic edging and textured sections throughout the garment
• German Short Row or German Turn and Work (GTW) - An advanced shaping technique that creates nearly invisible short rows. This method involves working to the desired turning point, turning the work, holding yarn to front, slipping a stitch to the right needle, and lifting the working yarn over to create a double stitch. This technique allows for seamless three-dimensional shaping without visible gaps or holes

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Respectable Raccoon cardigan is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn. The recommended yarn is Cashmere 8/28NM DK Weight by ColourMart, which is 100% cashmere fiber, offering luxurious softness and drape.

Yarn requirements vary by size:

• Main Color (MC): 855 to 1500 yards (780 to 1370 meters), depending on size selected
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): 120 to 175 yards (110 to 160 meters), depending on size selected

The pattern accommodates six different sizes with graduated yardage requirements, allowing knitters to choose the appropriate amount of yarn for their desired finished size. Optional waist shaping is included in the pattern, which may affect total yardage needs.