September Spirit

September Spirit Cardigan by Kristen TenDyke

What is Being Made

September Spirit is an autumn-themed cardigan sweater designed by Kristen TenDyke. This knitted cardigan features a decorative lacy leaf pattern that captures the aesthetic of seasonal foliage change. The design is available in eight different sizes, ranging from 28 inches to 57¾ inches in bust circumference when buttoned, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The cardigan is shown in a 32¼ inch finished size and is worked primarily in one piece construction up to the underarms, where the sleeves are joined and the yoke is shaped through strategic decreases.

Construction Techniques

September Spirit employs a seamless, one-piece knitting construction method that minimizes finishing work. The body is knitted as a single unit from the bottom up until reaching the underarms, at which point the sleeves are incorporated into the main piece. The yoke is then shaped through decreases worked over several rounds, creating a fitted shoulder area. This approach reduces the number of seams and provides a more cohesive final garment. The lacy leaf motif is integrated throughout the body, and strategically placed eyelets serve a functional purpose by allowing breathability, preventing the sweater from becoming overly warm despite being a knitted cardigan.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern featured in September Spirit is a lacy leaf design that incorporates eyelets. Eyelets are created through yarn overs and decreases that form small decorative holes in the fabric. These eyelet elements not only contribute to the visual appeal of the leaf motif but also enhance the garment's breathability. The pattern uses standard knitting stitches combined with these lace techniques to create texture and visual interest while maintaining a beginner-friendly difficulty level.

Yarn and Materials

September Spirit is designed to be worked in worsted weight yarn. The pattern is shown knitted in Good Karma Yarn in the January Thaw colorway, which is a blend of 60% wool and 40% alpaca. This yarn composition provides warmth from the wool while the alpaca adds softness and a subtle sheen. The pattern requires approximately 920 to 1670 yards of yarn depending on the finished size selected, with yardage increasing for larger sizes. Five to eight hanks of Good Karma Yarn (each hank weighing 110 grams and containing approximately 210 yards) are needed based on size. The pattern explicitly notes that comparable eco-friendly yarn of worsted weight can be substituted.

Tools and Notions

Knitting September Spirit requires US Size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in a 32-inch length as well as straight needles of the same size. Circular needles are essential for the seamless one-piece construction method. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, stitch holders or waste yarn for temporarily securing stitches (particularly useful when joining sleeves to the body), a cable needle for any twisted stitches or cable elements, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends during finishing. Knitters should be prepared to adjust needle size if necessary to achieve the correct gauge as specified in the pattern.

Difficulty Level

September Spirit is classified as a beginner-level knitting project. Despite incorporating lace stitches and eyelets, the pattern is designed to be accessible to knitters who are new to these techniques. The one-piece construction simplifies the overall building process by eliminating the need to knit and seam multiple separate pieces, making it an excellent introduction to seamless garment construction.