Cable Neck Sweater

Cable Neck Sweater by Alice Neal

What is Being Made

The Cable Neck Sweater is a versatile, full-length wide-necked sweater designed in super chunky yarn by independent designer Alice Neal. This one-size garment comfortably fits sizes 12–16 and features a unique two-neck option system, allowing the wearer to style it in multiple ways. The sweater can be worn off both shoulders for a relaxed, contemporary silhouette, or hanging off one shoulder for an asymmetrical look. Alternatively, knitters can add a cable-detailed neck for a more structured shoulder design. The finished chest measurement is 108cm (42 inches) with a length of 72cm (28 inches).

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques essential to creating the sweater's distinctive appearance and structure. Cable work is central to the design, particularly in the optional neck detail, requiring knitters to use a cable needle to manipulate stitches and create the characteristic twisted rope texture. The pattern incorporates circular knitting methods, utilizing circular needles to work seamlessly in the round, which is efficient for constructing the body and sleeves. Increases are worked using the knit-through-front-and-back method (K1fb) to shape the garment. Live stitches are held on stitch holders or spare yarn during construction, allowing for later joining or finishing. The sweater also involves basic seaming techniques for finishing edges and joining sections as needed.

Stitches Used

The Cable Neck Sweater pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with cable techniques to achieve its textured appearance. The primary stitches include:

• Knit (K): The basic knit stitch forms the foundation of the fabric
• Purl (P): Purl stitches are used to create textural contrast and definition
• Cable stitches: C3B (cable 3 back) and C3F (cable 3 front) create the signature twisted cable patterns, particularly in the optional neck detail. These stitches involve placing three stitches on a cable needle, working the next three stitches, then working the held stitches to create the characteristic rope effect
• Increases: K1fb (knit through front and back) is used to add stitches for shaping
• Stitch markers: PM (place marker) and SM (slip marker) help track pattern repeats and construction points

Materials and Tools

This project requires 800 grams of Drops Andes yarn in the super chunky weight category, allowing for quick project completion. The designer used Grey Mix in their sample, though knitters can select any color. Essential knitting needles include 8mm and 9mm circular needles for working the main body and different sections, with optional 8mm straight needles for specific construction methods. Additional tools include a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, stitch holders or spare yarn to hold live sleeve stitches during construction, stitch markers for tracking pattern placement, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends. The recommended gauge is 10 stitches and 14 rows per 10 centimeters, which should be checked before beginning to ensure proper fit for the finished garment.