Portage

Portage Cardigan by Melissa Schaschwary

What is Being Made

Portage is a downloadable knitting pattern for a cardigan designed by Melissa Schaschwary. This intermediate-level project features a classic cardigan silhouette available in eight finished sizes ranging from 31 inches to 59 inches (78.5 cm to 149.5 cm), making it suitable for a wide range of body measurements. The sample size of 31 inches is worn with approximately 1 inch of negative ease for a fitted yet comfortable fit.

Yarn and Materials

Portage is designed to be knitted with Valley Yarns Northfield, a DK weight yarn (also known as 8 ply). The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 1700 yards (1550 meters) for the smallest size up to 2975 yards (2700 meters) for the largest size. The yarn shown in the pattern is dyed in the Volcan colorway. Each skein of Valley Yarns Northfield contains 248 yards (227 meters) and weighs 100 grams (3.53 ounces).

Needles and Notions

This cardigan pattern requires multiple needle sizes to accommodate different stitch patterns and sections of the garment. The project calls for size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in 32-inch (80 cm) length and double-pointed needles, size 6 (4 mm) circular needles in 40-inch (100 cm) length, and size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in 32-inch (80 cm) length with matching double-pointed needles. Additional notions include four stitch markers and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge and Fit

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern, as different sections of the cardigan are worked at different gauges. The fronts are worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch using size 7 (4.5 mm) needles. The back is worked at a gauge of 24 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches (10 cm). Knitters should swatch carefully to ensure their finished cardigan achieves the intended finished measurements.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Portage incorporates several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and shaping to the garment. The pattern features raglan shaping, a classic cardigan construction method where increases are strategically placed to create the distinctive diagonal lines from the neckline to the underarms.

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the fronts and back of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric.
• Cable Stitches: The pattern includes 1/1 right cable (1/1 RC) and 1/1 left cable (1/1 LC) stitches, which are incorporated into Chart A. These cables are worked over the back stitches and add textural detail to the cardigan.
• Increases: The pattern employs M1L (make one left) and M1R (make one right) increases to shape the raglan lines. These increases are strategically placed and some are integrated directly into Chart A for seamless shaping.
• Purl Rows: Alternating purl rows create the reverse side of the Stockinette stitch and are worked on the wrong side of the fabric.

The combination of cable work and raglan increases demonstrates intermediate-level knitting skills, requiring familiarity with chart reading, cable manipulation, and precise increase placement for proper garment shaping.