Nanook

Nanook Cardigan by Heidi Kirrmaier

What is Being Made

Nanook is an advanced-level knitted cardigan designed by Heidi Kirrmaier. This garment is a versatile piece that can be worn open or closed, featuring a distinctive Bear Track pattern that creates functional buttonholes throughout the design. The cardigan is available in eight sizes ranging from extra small (31-inch bust) to double extra large (49.5-inch bust), making it suitable for a wide range of body measurements.

Construction Method and Approach

The Nanook cardigan is constructed using a top-down knitting method, beginning with the collar and working downward to the hem. This approach allows for easy customization of length and provides flexibility during the knitting process. The front opening features a slipped stitch edge that creates a neat, finished appearance along the cardigan's opening edges.

Stitch Techniques and Pattern Details

This design incorporates several key knitting techniques appropriate for advanced knitters:

• Bear Track Pattern: A decorative stitch pattern worked in the collar and utilized throughout the design. This pattern naturally creates yarn over holes that function as buttonholes, eliminating the need for separate button band construction.
• Stockinette Stitch (st st): Used for the main yoke and body sections, providing a smooth, classic fabric base.
• Lifted Increases: Shaping increases worked into the yoke to create the proper garment fit and silhouette.
• Slipped Stitch Edging: Applied along the front opening for a professional, refined edge finish.

Materials and Tools Required

The Nanook cardigan is worked in aran or worsted weight yarn, with yardage requirements varying by size from 875 meters (950 yards) for the smallest size to 1400 meters (1525 yards) for the largest size. The pattern is demonstrated in Quince & Co. Lark in the colorway Iceland.

Essential tools include a 4.5 mm / US 7 circular needle measuring at least 80 centimeters in length, or a needle size adjusted to achieve the specified gauge. Additional supplies include 2 stitch markers for main construction and 5 to 8 additional stitch markers for tracking the Bear Track pattern repeats, depending on the chosen size. Scrap yarn is also needed for provisional cast-on or other construction techniques.

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rows per 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stockinette stitch. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements across all eight size options.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as advanced difficulty, making it suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable with complex stitch patterns, top-down construction, and garment shaping techniques. The combination of the Bear Track pattern with lifted increases and multiple stitch markers requires strong foundational knitting skills and pattern-reading ability.