Hazelwood Sweater

Hazelwood Sweater by Shannon Squire

What is Being Made

The Hazelwood Sweater is a knitted cardigan designed by Shannon Squire, available in six finished bust sizes ranging from 32 inches (81 cm) to approximately 44 inches (112 cm). This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated colorwork design utilizing three distinct yarn colors in a coordinated palette. The cardigan is designed to be worked flat on circular needles and features button closures for a classic cardigan construction.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This cardigan employs several intermediate knitting techniques that make it suitable for knitters with some experience. The garment is constructed primarily by working flat on circular needles, which provides stability and ease of handling for a larger project. The design incorporates garter stitch edging worked on needles two sizes smaller than the main body needles, creating a refined, structured border. The pattern requires the use of stitch markers, including removable ones, to track pattern repeats and shaping throughout the construction. Knitters will need to manage multiple colors across the body of the sweater, indicating the presence of colorwork elements that add visual interest to the finished piece.

Stitches Used

The Hazelwood Sweater utilizes garter stitch for the edging details, which is created by knitting every row and produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. The primary body of the sweater incorporates additional stitch patterns that work in conjunction with the three-color colorway design, though specific stitch pattern names are detailed on the pattern pages provided in the downloadable PDF.

Yarn and Materials

This project requires approximately 1055 to 1835 yards of sport-weight yarn, depending on the finished size selected. The yardage is split evenly across three coordinating colors, with exact yardage breakdowns provided on page 2 of the pattern. The pattern was designed and photographed using Blue Moon Fiber Arts BFL Sport yarn, which is 100% Blue-Faced Leicester (BFL) fiber and comes in 661-yard skeins weighing 226 grams. Suggested colorways include Winter Solstice, Enchanted Forest, Big Brain Blue, Stumptown Brown, and Ochroid, though any sport-weight yarn in complementary colors will work for this project.

Needles and Notions

Knitters will need US #4 (3.5 mm) circular needles in either 24-inch or 32-inch lengths for working the main body of the sweater flat. Additionally, needles two sizes smaller (US #2/2.75 mm) are required for working the garter stitch edging, which creates a more refined, structured border. A tapestry needle is necessary for weaving in yarn ends and seaming. Stitch markers, including at least two removable ones, help track pattern repeats and shaping. Waste yarn or circular stitch holders are used to temporarily hold stitches during construction. The cardigan is finished with seven ¾-inch buttons, providing a classic closure down the front of the garment.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 24 stitches per 4 inches (10 cm) on US #4 (3.5 mm) needles, which is typical for sport-weight yarn. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The Hazelwood Sweater is available in six sizes to accommodate various body measurements and fit preferences.