Hydrophile

Hydrophile Cardigan by Terri Kruse

What is Being Made

Hydrophile is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Terri Kruse. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a fitted cardigan sweater available in eight sizes, ranging from 30 inches to 48 inches in finished chest measurement. The cardigan features a distinctive 5-inch garter stitch collar and is worked seamlessly in the round using circular needles, making it an efficient construction method for knitters seeking a polished, professional finish.

Finished Measurements and Sizing

The Hydrophile cardigan is offered in the following finished chest measurements (without the garter collar): 25.75, 28.5, 30.5, 32.5, 34.5, 34.25, 36, 38, 39.75, and 43 inches. The length ranges from 22 to 24 inches across the size range, providing options for different body types and style preferences. This extensive size range makes the pattern accessible to a wide variety of knitters.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Hydrophile cardigan employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The garment is worked in the round using circular needles, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless construction. The pattern incorporates increases and decreases to shape the garment, including methods such as knit front and back (kfb) for increases and knit two together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) for decreases. The collar is worked in garter stitch, a reversible textured stitch created by knitting every row, which provides a distinctive decorative and functional element. The pattern also uses stockinette stitch as the primary fabric, created by alternating knit and purl rows, producing the classic smooth, V-textured surface characteristic of most sweaters.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and stitches including:

• k - knit stitch
• p - purl stitch
• kfb - knit into the front and back of a stitch (increase)
• k2tog - knit two stitches together (decrease)
• ssk - slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• m1L - make one left-leaning increase by picking up the bar between stitches from front to back
• CO - cast on
• BO - bind off
• pm - place marker
• EOR - end of row or round

Stitch markers are used throughout the pattern to help track pattern repeats and shaping points, making the knitting process more manageable and reducing errors.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Hydrophile cardigan is designed to be knitted with Malabrigo Arroyo, a premium yarn composed of 100% Merino wool. This yarn is offered in the Reflecting Pool colorway for this pattern. Malabrigo Arroyo provides 335 yards per 100-gram (3.53-ounce) skein, and the pattern requires 3 to 5 skeins depending on the size selected. Smaller sizes (30, 33, and 35 inches) require 3 skeins, medium sizes (37, 39, and 41 inches) require 4 skeins, and larger sizes (43 and 45 inches) require 5 skeins. The merino wool fiber provides excellent breathability, softness, and natural elasticity, making it ideal for a fitted cardigan.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for US4/3.5mm circular needles measuring 32 inches for working the cardigan in the round across all sizes. Knitters are advised to use the needle size that allows them to achieve the specified gauge, as individual tension varies. Additionally, one set of US4/3.5mm double-pointed needles is required for working smaller circumferences, such as the sleeves or collar sections where circular needles become impractical. A darning needle is needed for weaving in yarn ends and any finishing work.