The Jackalope

The Jackalope Cardigan by Kraftling

Project Overview

The Jackalope is an advanced-level knitted cardigan that combines Icelandic Lopi wool traditions with West Coast Cowichan or Siwash-inspired design elements. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a lightweight yet exceptionally warm sweater featuring a distinctive jackalope motif. The cardigan is designed with a relaxed fit that accommodates long-sleeved layers underneath, making it an ideal cold-weather garment for any knitter seeking a project with cultural design depth and technical complexity.

What Is Being Made

The Jackalope is a button-front cardigan sweater crafted from Icelandic Lettlopi wool. The garment features a ribbed edge construction and incorporates traditional Cowichan or Siwash design patterns with a playful jackalope twist. Available in six sizes ranging from 36 inches to 52 inches around the chest, this cardigan offers inclusive sizing for various body types. The finished sweater fastens with six 3/4-inch buttons and is designed to layer comfortably over long-sleeved tops.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Stockinette stitch as the primary fabric structure
• Ribbed edging for the front and cuff details, providing elasticity and a finished appearance
• Stranded colorwork or patterning inspired by Cowichan and Siwash traditions, incorporating the jackalope design motif
• Seaming to construct the finished garment pieces
• Button bands worked as part of the front edge construction

Stitches and Stitch Details

This pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches executed at an advanced level. The primary fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit surface ideal for displaying the colorwork design. Ribbing is used strategically at edges to create structure and prevent curling. The pattern incorporates color changes and design work that requires advanced color management and pattern reading skills, characteristic of Cowichan-style knitting traditions.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Jackalope cardigan is constructed using Icelandic Lettlopi yarn, a traditional choice known for its warmth and lightweight properties. The yarn palette consists of three heather colorways:

• Black heather: 6, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 balls depending on size
• Ash heather: 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, or 6 balls depending on size
• Light red heather: 1 ball for all sizes

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches by 22 rows over 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch using 4.5mm needles. This gauge is essential for achieving proper fit across all six size options.

Needle and Tool Requirements

Knitters will need 4.5mm needles (available as straight or circular needles) for the main fabric construction, with the option to use circular needles for ease of working larger pieces. A 3.5mm 24-inch circular needle—one size smaller than the main needles—is required for ribbed edging and cuff work. Additional supplies include a seaming needle for finishing and six 3/4-inch buttons (or alternative buttons as desired by the maker). Stitch holders are necessary for managing stitches during construction.

Sizing and Fit

The Jackalope pattern accommodates six finished chest measurements: 36 inches, 38 inches, 40 inches, 44 inches, 48 inches, and 52 inches. This range ensures accessibility for a wide variety of body types. The relaxed fit design intentionally leaves room for layering with long-sleeved garments, enhancing the cardigan's versatility in cold-weather wardrobes.

Design Heritage and Inspiration

This cardigan draws from two distinct knitting traditions. The use of Icelandic Lettlopi wool honors the heritage of Icelandic knitting, where this particular yarn has been used for generations to create warm, durable garments. The Cowichan or Siwash design tradition, originating from the Pacific Northwest Coast, brings geometric patterning and cultural significance to the piece. The designer's addition of the jackal