Bishop

Bishop Cardigan by Allison Jane

What is Being Made

The Bishop is a worsted weight cardigan designed by independent designer Allison Jane. This knitted cardigan features a classic construction with set-in sleeves and is available in nine size options ranging from 33.75" to 65.75" finished bust circumference, accommodating a wide range of body measurements and fit preferences.

Finished Measurements

The Bishop cardigan is offered in three size ranges with three options each:

• XS–M: 33.75" [85.5 cm], 37" [94 cm], 42" [106.5 cm] bust circumference
• L–XL: 45.5" [115.5 cm], 50.5" [128.5 cm], 54" [137 cm] bust circumference
• 2X–4X: 57.25" [145.5 cm], 62.25" [158 cm], 65.75" [167 cm] bust circumference

The finished bust measurement represents double the back width at the underarm, as indicated on the included schematic. The sample cardigan shown is knitted in the 50.5" [128.5 cm] size.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Bishop employs a hybrid construction method that combines circular and flat knitting techniques. Sleeves are worked in the round from cuff to underarm using either a set of double-pointed needles or the magic loop method on circular needles. The body is worked back and forth in flat knitting, creating a traditional cardigan silhouette with set-in sleeves.

This intermediate-level construction approach allows knitters to experience both circular and flat knitting techniques within a single project, making it an excellent choice for those looking to expand their skill set beyond basic stockinette stitch garments.

Stitches Used

The Bishop cardigan features two primary stitch patterns:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): Forms the base fabric of the garment with a gauge of 19 stitches and 27 rows over 4" [10 cm]
• Cable Pattern: Adds textural interest and visual depth, worked at a gauge of 30 stitches and 27 rows over 4" [10 cm]

The combination of these stitches creates a sophisticated, dimensional fabric that showcases the natural qualities of worsted weight yarn while maintaining an intermediate difficulty level appropriate for knitters with foundational skills.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Bishop is designed for Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Worsted, a 100% wool yarn available in 50-gram skeins with approximately 123 yards [112 meters] per skein. The sample cardigan is knitted in Grey Harbor #1304. Yardage requirements vary by size:

• XS–M: 1,631–2,154 yards [1,485–1,962 meters] (14–18 skeins)
• L–XL: 2,356–2,756 yards [2,145–2,509 meters] (20–23 skeins)
• 2X–4X: 3,149–3,706 yards [2,867–3,374 meters] (26–31 skeins)

Any worsted weight yarn with similar yardage and fiber content may be substituted, provided the knitter adjusts for gauge differences.

Needles: The Bishop requires one 32" circular needle in US size 8 [5 mm] for the body and one set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in US size 8 [5 mm] for working the sleeves in the round. Alternatively, knitters may use circular needles exclusively by employing the magic loop technique for the sleeve sections, eliminating the need for DPNs.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Bishop cardigan is suitable for knitters with experience in basic techniques who are ready to tackle set-in sleeves, cable stitch patterns, and garment construction. The combination of stockinette and cable work, along with the hybrid circular and flat knitting methods, provides an engaging challenge without overwhelming beginners to intermediate knitters.