Shavestigan

Shavestigan by Sharon Mooney

Garment Overview

The Shavestigan is a loose-fitting knitted cardigan designed by Sharon Mooney and available in three sizes: Small (finished chest approximately 40"), Medium (48"), and Large (56"). The garment features a distinctive overlapping front closure with 4" to 5½" of overlap depending on size, and measures approximately 32" in length from shoulder to hem. This intermediate-level knitting project is ideal for knitters seeking to develop their skills while creating a versatile, everyday garment.

Construction Techniques

The Shavestigan employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The primary construction method uses stockinette stitch, a foundational knit stitch pattern that creates a smooth, classic fabric. The garment incorporates shaping through increases and decreases to achieve proper fit at the bust and shoulders. A key design feature involves the overlapping front sections, which create a unique closure mechanism without traditional buttons or fasteners. The collar construction uses a specialized bind-off technique employing a larger needle size (US 15) to create a relaxed, finished edge.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Shavestigan is stockinette stitch, created by alternating knit and purl rows to produce the characteristic smooth fabric on the right side. This foundational stitch is worked at a gauge of 3.5 stitches and 4 rows per 1 inch when using size US 11 needles, establishing the proper fabric density and drape. The pattern utilizes standard knitting abbreviations and techniques including cast-on, bind-off, increases, and decreases to shape the body, armholes, and neckline.

Materials and Yarn

The Shavestigan is designed to be knitted with Malabrigo Merino Worsted yarn, a 100% Merino Wool fiber available in 210-yard skeins weighing 3.5 ounces each. The project requires approximately seven skeins for the Small size, eight skeins for the Medium, and nine skeins for the Large. The specific colorway used in the original design is color 621, Deja Vu. Worsted weight yarn provides excellent stitch definition and creates a fabric with good structure and drape suitable for a cardigan silhouette.

Needles and Tools

This project requires multiple needle sizes to accommodate different sections of the garment. Knitters will need a 16-inch size US 11 circular knitting needle for certain sections, as well as 24-inch or longer needles in sizes US 10, US 11, and US 13 for various components. A single size US 15 knitting needle is used specifically for the right-hand bind-off needle when finishing the collar, allowing for a relaxed edge. Additional tools include a yarn needle or large embroidery needle for weaving in ends and finishing, plus several yards of contrasting worsted weight waste yarn for provisional cast-ons or stitch holders during construction.