Shandy

Shandy Cardigan by BabyCocktails

What Is Being Made

Shandy is a downloadable knitting pattern for a cardigan designed by Thea Colman of BabyCocktails. This garment is a button-front cardigan available in nine sizes ranging from 34" to 54.5" finished bust circumference (86.5cm to 138.5cm). The cardigan is designed to be worn closed with 3-4" of ease at the bust, making it suitable for a range of body types and styling preferences.

Techniques and Construction

Shandy employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques. The cardigan is constructed using circular needles for the body and sleeves, which is a preferred method for managing larger circumferences and allows for seamless or minimal-seam construction. The pattern incorporates ribbed sections, likely for cuffs and button bands, which require working in 1x1 rib. Short-row shaping is utilized in the design, as indicated by the inclusion of cable needles and the reference to working circumferences for sleeves. The garment features button closures, with 5-7 buttons depending on size.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric suitable for showcasing the hand-dyed yarn. 1x1 ribbing is used for fitted sections such as cuffs, waistbands, and button bands. These fundamental stitches are combined to create a garment with both drape and structure.

Materials Required

Shandy requires 1000-1800 yards (915-1645 meters) of worsted-weight yarn, depending on the size chosen. The sample shown was knit using Happy-Go-Knitty Foxhow hand-dyed 8 ply yarn, a blend of 80% Polwarth wool and 20% Suri alpaca, which provides both warmth and a luxurious feel. This yarn is supplied in 100g skeins with 240 yards per skein.

Needles: US #7 (4.5mm) circular needles, 32"/80cm or longer for the body, along with needles of the same size for ribbing and preferred method for working sleeve circumferences. A cable needle is required for short-row shaping.

Additional notions include:

• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping
• Removable markers for noting important positions
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Stitch holders or spare needles/waste yarn for holding stitches
• 0.5" (1.25cm) buttons: 5-7 depending on size
• Sewing needle and thread for attaching buttons

Gauge

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in stockinette stitch, and 21 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in 1x1 ribbing. Knitters should swatch before beginning to ensure their gauge matches these specifications.