Hot and Bothered Cable Dress

Hot and Bothered Cable Dress by Knitatude - Chantal

What Is Being Made

The Hot and Bothered Cable Dress is an intermediate-level knitted dress designed by Knitatude - Chantal. This garment is a fitted dress that extends from hem to shoulder, offering a flattering silhouette with carefully proportioned dimensions. The dress is available in four sizes: Small (S), Medium (M), Large (L), and Extra Large (XL), with finished measurements ranging from 34 inches to 44 inches at the hip and chest circumference. The dress features a total length of 38 inches from hem to shoulder, with 24 inches of length before the first decrease shaping occurs. The arm length measures 15.5 inches, and the sleeve width varies by size, from 8 inches at the shoulder in smaller sizes to 9.5 inches in the XL size, tapering to between 4.5 and 5.5 inches at the wrist.

Techniques Used

This intermediate knitting project employs several essential knitting techniques to create its structured design. The dress utilizes cable knitting, which is evident from the inclusion of a cable needle in the required materials. The construction involves working in the round using circular needles, allowing for seamless shaping and a smooth fabric. The pattern incorporates decreasing techniques to create the fitted silhouette, with strategic decreases occurring at specific points along the dress length. Additionally, the pattern uses stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the project. The finishing process includes a specialized three-needle bind-off technique, which creates a professional, flexible seam ideal for garment edges.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure of the Hot and Bothered Cable Dress is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric with a flat appearance. This foundational stitch is worked in stockinette on the larger 6mm needles and forms the base of the dress design. Cable stitches are incorporated throughout the garment, adding visual interest and texture to the piece. The combination of stockinette and cable work creates a balanced design that showcases the yarn while maintaining the dress's structured fit.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Hot and Bothered Cable Dress requires Patons Alpaca Blend yarn or another bulky weight yarn in category 5. The total yardage needed is approximately 1278 to 1400 meters (1400 to 1525 yards), depending on the specific yarn choice. Yarn requirements by size are as follows: 7 balls for size Small, and 8 balls each for sizes Medium, Large, and Extra Large. The pattern specifies US 8/5mm circular needles measuring 20 inches long for initial ribbing or setup, and US 10/6mm circular needles also 20 inches long for the main body knitting. Additional tools include 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern elements, a cable needle for executing cable stitches, a US 10/6mm double-pointed needle (DPN) specifically for the three-needle bind-off technique, and a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 14 stitches and 18 rows equals 4 inches when knitting stockinette stitch on 6mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements. The dress is designed to fit a range of body types, with the model wearing a size Medium and measuring 5'7" tall and 145 pounds, providing a helpful reference for fit and proportions.