Fog Whisperer Cardigan

Fog Whisperer Cardigan by Juliana Lustenader

What Is Being Made

The Fog Whisperer Cardigan is an advanced knitting project designed by Juliana Lustenader. This is a full cardigan sweater available in a wide range of sizes from XS through 5XL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 32 inches (81 cm) to 64 inches (162.5 cm) including the front opening. The design combines cable pattern work with stockinette stitch construction, making it a sophisticated layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This cardigan employs advanced knitting techniques appropriate for experienced crafters. The garment is constructed using both flat and circular knitting methods, utilizing circular needles and double-pointed needles (dpns) to achieve the desired shaping and stitch patterns. The construction involves working cable patterns alongside stockinette stitch sections, requiring careful attention to stitch counts and pattern repeats throughout the project.

Stitches Used

The primary stitches featured in the Fog Whisperer Cardigan include:

• Cable Pattern: Creates textured, dimensional fabric with specific gauge requirements of 32 stitches by 33 rows over 4 inches when worked on larger needles after blocking
• Stockinette Stitch: Used for smooth sections, worked both flat and in the round, with a gauge of 24 stitches by 32 rounds over 4 inches in the round on larger needles after blocking

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn Specifications: The pattern calls for Knit Picks Stroll Tweed in the colorway Down Heather. This is a fingering weight yarn (4-ply) composed of 65% Fine Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon, and 10% Donegal Tweed. Each ball contains 231 yards (211 meters) and weighs 50 grams (3.5 ounces). Depending on size, the cardigan requires between 7 and 13 balls, totaling approximately 1,600 to 3,000 yards of fingering weight yarn to obtain proper gauge. Any fingering weight yarn may be substituted provided the correct gauge is achieved.

Needle Requirements: The pattern requires two needle sizes. Smaller needles are US size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles and dpns, used for ribbing and edgework. Larger needles are US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles and dpns, used for the main body and pattern sections. Both needle sizes should be available in lengths ranging from 32 to 60 inches (81 to 152 cm) to accommodate the various sizes and construction methods. Needle size may be adjusted as needed to achieve the specified gauge.

Gauge and Blocking

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this advanced project. The cable pattern requires 32 stitches and 33 rows to measure 4 inches on the larger needles after blocking. Stockinette stitch worked in the round should measure 24 stitches by 32 rounds over 4 inches on the larger needles after blocking. Blocking is a critical finishing step for this cardigan, as it sets the stitches and ensures accurate finished measurements.