Familiar

Familiar Cardigan by Justyna Lorkowska

What is Being Made

Familiar is a seamless cardigan with cables, pockets, and short sleeves designed by Justyna Lorkowska. This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated construction combining multiple stitch techniques and shaping methods. The cardigan is intended to be worn with little or no positive ease, creating a fitted silhouette. Available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with finished bust measurements from 85 cm (34 inches) to 128.5 cm (51.25 inches).

Construction Techniques

Familiar employs a seamless construction method that builds the garment in distinct sections. The lower body begins with a cabled insert worked downward to the hem in Stockinette stitch, incorporating functional pockets. The front bands and shawl collar are shaped using short rows to create a tailored fit and elegant neckline. The collar is finished with an I-cord bind-off that includes integrated buttonholes for a refined closure. Short sleeves are worked in the round with sleeve caps shaped using short-row shaping techniques to ensure proper fit and cap definition. The garment is completed with a 3-needle bind-off joining the upper body sections.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch – forms the primary fabric of the lower body and main garment sections
• Garter Stitch – used for the front bands, providing structure and a classic finish
• Cable Stitches – featured in the horizontal insert detail at the lower body
• I-cord Bind-off – creates an integrated, decorative edge with buttonholes
• Short Rows – shape the shawl collar, front bands, and sleeve caps for a custom fit

Materials

Familiar is worked using 4-ply yarn weight on 3.5 mm (US #4) needles as the primary needle size. The sample shown in size S was knitted in Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light, a 100% superwash merino yarn, though knitters may substitute other 4-ply weight yarns according to their preferences and gauge requirements.