Catamount

Catamount Cardigan by BeckyinVT

What is Being Made

The Catamount is a worsted-weight knitted cardigan designed by independent designer BeckyinVT through Sugar Tree Designs. This garment is available in nine sizes to fit bust circumferences ranging from 28 inches (71 cm) to 60 inches (152.5 cm), making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The cardigan features a classic construction with waist shaping in the back, creating a flattering silhouette that moves beyond simple straight-line designs.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Catamount is worked from the hem upward in a seamless construction method using circular needles. This bottom-up approach allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and make adjustments before completing the piece. The cardigan incorporates waist shaping in the back, a design feature that provides a more tailored fit compared to boxy alternatives. The use of both circular needles and double-pointed needles (DPNs) enables seamless construction throughout the body and sleeves.

Stitches Used

The Catamount employs two primary stitch patterns:

• Stockinette stitch — the foundation pattern worked at a gauge of 17 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches (10 cm)
• Garter stripe pattern — a textured variation worked at a gauge of 15 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches (10 cm)

The combination of these stitches creates visual interest while maintaining the intermediate difficulty level appropriate for knitters with foundational skills.

Yarn and Materials

The Catamount is designed to be knitted with Green Mountain Spinnery Mountain Mohair, a luxurious blend of 70% wool and 30% mohair. This yarn is supplied in skeins of 140 yards each. The pattern calls for a main color (MC) in Claret, with three coordinating contrast colors (CC1 Sky Blue, CC2 Raspberry, and CC3 Clove) used for decorative elements.

Yardage requirements vary by size:

• Main color (Claret): 375 to 900 yards depending on size
• Each contrast color: 55 to 125 yards depending on size

Needles and notions include:

• US 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles in 32-inch or 40-inch lengths
• US 9 (5.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs)
• Three buttons, each 1.5 inches in diameter
• Four stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping
• Scrap yarn for holding stitches temporarily during construction
• A tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The stockinette sections require a gauge of 17 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 cm), while the garter stripe pattern sections are worked at 15 stitches and 28 rows over the same measurement. Knitters should swatch both patterns to ensure proper fit, as gauge variations can significantly affect the finished cardigan's dimensions.