Sumner

Sumner Cardigan by Kristen TenDyke

What Is Being Made

Sumner is a seamlessly knit cardigan designed by Kristen TenDyke, inspired by weekly knitting gatherings at A Wrinkle in Thyme Farm in Sumner, Maine. This top-down raglan cardigan features a button band closure with a 1-inch overlapping front placket, making it a versatile layering piece. The design is available in seven sizes, ranging from 30¾ inches to 53½ inches in finished bust measurement, accommodating a wide range of body types.

Construction Techniques

Sumner employs several advanced knitting techniques that make it suitable for intermediate-level knitters. The cardigan is constructed seamlessly from the top down using raglan shaping, which creates diagonal lines from the neckline to the underarms. This method allows for easy customization of length and fit as you knit.

At the underarm, the body and sleeves are divided and worked separately, enabling independent adjustments to sleeve and body length. The front sections feature integrated seamless pockets that are added during the body knitting phase and then joined to the body while working the button band. This pocket construction eliminates the need for seaming and creates a polished, professional finish.

Stitches and Stitch Details

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided pattern content, the seamless construction and raglan shaping indicate the use of fundamental knitting stitches combined with increases for shaping. The button band is worked as an integral part of the garment rather than added separately, requiring careful stitch pickup and band construction techniques.

Materials

Yarn: Sumner is designed to be knit in DK-weight yarn. The sample shown was created using 100% wool from A Wrinkle in Thyme Farm, an earth-friendly yarn source. Yardage requirements vary by size:

• Main Color (MC): 750 to 1,270 yards depending on size (approximately 16 to 26½ ounces)
• Contrast Color (CC): 160 to 200 yards depending on size (approximately 3½ to 4¼ ounces)

Needles: The pattern specifies needle requirements, though the exact needle size is not fully visible in the provided content. Appropriate needle sizing for DK-weight yarn typically ranges from US 4 to US 6, selected to achieve the designer's intended gauge.

The use of earth-friendly yarn options reflects the inspiration drawn from the pastoral setting of A Wrinkle in Thyme Farm, making Sumner an environmentally conscious choice for knitters seeking sustainable fiber.