Harlequin

Harlequin Knit Sweater by Morgana Knits

What is Being Made

The Harlequin is a knitted sweater designed by Alexandra Giarmadourou for Morgana Knits. This intermediate-level pullover features a sophisticated cable knit pattern and is available in three sizes: Small/Medium (96cm bust), Medium/Large (106cm bust), and Large (116cm bust). The sweater is worked in pieces from bottom to top using the flat knitting method on circular needles, then assembled to create a finished garment.

Techniques Used

This design employs several key knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The sweater begins with a ribbed cuff worked in knit two, purl one (k2/p1) ribbing, which provides elasticity and structure at the lower edge. The main body utilizes cable knitting, a decorative technique that creates twisted rope-like textures across the fabric. Cables are formed by slipping stitches onto a cable needle, holding them to the front or back of the work, and then knitting stitches in a specific order to create the characteristic crossed pattern. The pattern also incorporates increases using the make-one (m1) technique, which adds stitches strategically throughout the piece to shape the garment and create shaping within the cable pattern.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k): The fundamental stitch that creates the smooth stockinette stitch base
• Purl stitch (p): Used to create texture and definition, particularly in the ribbed sections and between cable motifs
• Cable stitches (c6f, c4f, c4b): Cable six front, cable four front, and cable four back are the primary decorative stitches. These involve slipping stitches to a cable needle, holding them in front or back, then knitting in sequence to create the twisted cable effect
• Make-one increase (m1): A method for adding stitches that maintains the integrity of the fabric and is worked strategically throughout the pattern for shaping
• Ribbing: The combination of knit and purl stitches in alternating columns creates the elastic ribbed cuff

Materials Required

The Harlequin is designed to be worked in Garnstudio Drops Nepal yarn, a blend of 65% wool and 35% alpaca. This aran-weight yarn provides warmth and drape suitable for a sweater. Yardage requirements vary by size: the Small/Medium requires 11 balls (approximately 825 meters total), the Medium/Large requires 12 balls (approximately 900 meters), and the Large requires 14 balls (approximately 1,050 meters). Each ball weighs 50 grams and yields approximately 75 meters.

Needles required include 4mm circular needles for the ribbed cuff sections and 5mm circular needles for the main body pattern. The 5mm needle size should be verified against the stated gauge to ensure proper fit and fabric characteristics. A cable needle is essential for managing the cable stitches throughout the pattern.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches and 17 rows over a 10 x 10 centimeter square when worked in stockinette stitch on 5mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is critical for obtaining the finished measurements and ensuring the sweater fits as intended. Knitters should always swatch before beginning the project and adjust needle sizes if necessary to match the specified gauge.