Sea Breeze

Sea Breeze Sweater by Chrissy Gardiner

What Is Being Made

The Sea Breeze is a plus-size knitted sweater designed by Chrissy Gardiner, available in sizes XXL through 6X with bust measurements ranging from 46 to 58 inches. This garment features a distinctive winged cable pattern on the front, making it an eye-catching layering piece suitable for intermediate to advanced beginner knitters. The sweater incorporates modified drop shoulders and side-seam button plackets, providing both style and functional ease of fit for comfortable wear.

Techniques Used

This sweater construction employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished design. The garment begins with a garter stitch hem, which provides a stable, textured foundation. The primary design element—the winged cable pattern—is worked into the front panel, requiring cable manipulation and shaping. The modified drop shoulder construction simplifies garment assembly while maintaining a flattering silhouette. Side-seam button plackets are incorporated for closure and design detail, adding both functionality and visual interest to the finished piece.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – worked as knit every row for the hem edge
• Stockinette stitch – the primary body stitch, providing a smooth fabric base
• Cable stitch – featured in the winged cable pattern on the front panel, requiring a cable needle for crossing stitches

Materials and Tools

This downloadable PDF pattern calls for DK-weight yarn in quantities ranging from approximately 1650 yards for size XXL to 2050 yards for size 6X. The sample garment was knitted using Blue Sky Alpacas Sport Weight yarn in Petal Pink. Essential tools include size 6 (4mm) circular needles (24–36 inches in length) or the size needed to obtain proper gauge, a cable needle for working the cable pattern, stitch holders or waste yarn for managing live stitches, stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends. The pattern also specifies six 1.5-inch buttons plus matching sewing needle and thread for the button plackets.

Gauge

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern. In stockinette stitch, the target gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches. In cable stitch, the gauge is 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches. Knitters should swatch before beginning to ensure their finished garment meets the intended dimensions.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Sea Breeze is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle cable work and garment construction. The pattern requires familiarity with basic shaping, cable techniques, and assembly methods, making it an excellent project for advancing one's knitting abilities.