Dreamy Weave Cardigan

Dreamy Weave Cardigan by Katrine H

What is Being Made

The Dreamy Weave Cardigan is a warm, textured cardigan jacket designed for fall and cooler seasons. This knitted garment features a distinctive woven appearance created through traditional basket weave stitch technique. The cardigan is available in three sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—with body circumferences ranging from 42 inches to 53 inches and full body lengths from 25 to 27 inches. Sleeve length measures approximately 14 to 15 inches, with an additional cable band edge of 2.5 to 3 inches.

Techniques and Construction

The Dreamy Weave Cardigan employs the basket weave stitch, an old and traditional knitting technique that creates a beautiful woven pattern reminiscent of ancient textile work. This technique requires working with odd numbers in the stitch count to achieve the proper interlocking effect. The cardigan is knitted back and forth on the needle, using a flat construction method rather than circular knitting. A distinctive feature of this design is the use of two strands of yarn knitted together simultaneously, which creates subtle variations in color and shade throughout the finished fabric, adding depth and visual interest to the woven texture.

Stitches Used

• Basket Weave Stitch – the primary stitch creating the signature woven pattern
• Cable Band Edge – used for finishing the cardigan edges

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn Specifications:

• Yarn I: Hexa (DSA) – 100% alpaca, 13 skeins, approximately 1400 yards total, Color 912 Gray Brown
• Yarn II: Tynn Alpakka (DSA) – 100% alpaca, 8 skeins, approximately 1400 yards total, Color 194 Håndmalt Bruntoner (hand-painted in shades of brown)

Needle Requirements:

• Primary needle size: US 10.75 (7 mm) for working the basket weave stitch
• Secondary needle size: US 10 (6 mm) – 40 inch circular needle (likely used for ribbing or edge work)

Gauge: 15 stitches = 4 inches when worked in basket weave stitch on US 10.75 needle

Yarn Weight and Difficulty

This project uses chunky weight yarn, which allows for relatively quick knitting progress despite the intermediate difficulty level. The intermediate difficulty rating reflects the basket weave stitch technique, which requires attention to the odd-number stitch pattern and careful tension management when working with two strands of yarn simultaneously. Knitters should have solid foundational skills before attempting this cardigan, as the technique demands precision to maintain the woven pattern consistency throughout the garment.