Flake

Flake Raglan Cardigan by Iscula

What is Being Made

Flake is a seamlessly constructed raglan cardigan designed by Iscula and worked from the top down. The cardigan features a slightly cropped body in the sample garment, though the length is customizable to suit individual preferences. The design includes a shaped neckline created with short rows and button bands for closure. This intermediate-level knitting project is characterized as a quick knit that combines ease of construction with striking visual appeal.

Knitting Techniques

The Flake cardigan employs several key knitting techniques that define its construction method:

• Top-Down Seamless Construction: The entire cardigan is worked seamlessly from the neckline downward, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, professional finish.
• Raglan Shaping: Raglan increases are worked throughout the upper body to create the distinctive sloped shoulder line characteristic of raglan sleeves.
• Short Row Shaping: The neckline is shaped using short row techniques to create a custom-fitted neck opening.
• In-the-Round Knitting: The body is worked in the round on circular needles, and the sleeves are picked up and worked top down in the round after the body is completed.
• Stitch Placement and Holding: Sleeve stitches are strategically placed on hold using stitch markers, stitch holders, or scrap yarn while the body is completed, then resumed for sleeve completion.

Stitches Used

Stockinette Stitch forms the primary fabric of the Flake cardigan. This fundamental knit stitch creates a smooth, flat surface with characteristic V-shaped columns on the right side. Stockinette stitch is worked by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round. The cardigan also incorporates ribbing for the neckband and sleeve cuffs, which provides elasticity and helps the garment maintain its shape.

Materials and Gauge

The Flake cardigan is designed to be worked in worsted weight yarn, a versatile medium weight that knits up quickly while maintaining good stitch definition. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stockinette stitch, which should be verified by knitting and measuring a gauge swatch before beginning the project.

Needles Required: The pattern calls for 4.0 mm (US 6) 80 centimeter (32 inch) circular needles for working the body, with 4.0 mm (US 6) double-pointed needles for the sleeves. A 3.5 mm (US 4) 80 centimeter (32 inch) circular needle is used for the neckband ribbing, with 3.5 mm (US 4) double-pointed needles for sleeve ribbing. The smaller needle size creates the tighter gauge needed for ribbed sections.

Additional Materials: The project requires 4 stitch markers to denote raglan increase points and pattern repeats, stitch holders or scrap yarn for holding sleeve stitches, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and blocking tools for finishing. Eight buttons measuring 1.5 centimeters (0.75 inches) in diameter are needed for the button bands.

Yarn Quantity Considerations

The sample cardigan shown is slightly cropped in length. Knitters who wish to add additional length to the body should plan to purchase extra yarn beyond the standard pattern requirements to accommodate the extended yardage needed for a longer garment.