Liquorice Cardigan

Liquorice Cardigan by TeoMakes

What is Being Made

The Liquorice Cardigan is a top-down raglan cardigan designed by TeoMakes and available as a downloadable PDF pattern. This two-colour knit cardigan features a distinctive mosaic motif inspired by liquorice, which gives the design its name. The cardigan is suitable for a wide range of body sizes, with options ranging from XS to 2XL, making it an accessible project for various knitters. The design includes a vertical button band and ribbed cuffs that frame the piece elegantly.

Design Inspiration and Details

The Liquorice Cardigan draws inspiration from TeoMakes' Liquorice Shawl and was developed with the beautiful Wool Local yarn by Erika Knight in mind. The cardigan showcases a two-colour construction using Gritstone (light grey) and Cathy (charcoal), creating visual contrast through the mosaic pattern. The vertical button band and ribbed cuffs add structural definition and a polished finish to this intermediate-level design.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Top-down construction: The cardigan is worked from the top down, allowing for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on as you progress
• Raglan shaping: The raglan sleeve cap creates a comfortable, contemporary fit with diagonal increases from the neckline to the underarm
• Two-colour mosaic knitting: A colourwork technique that creates the distinctive liquorice-inspired pattern using alternating colours
• Ribbed edgings: Ribbed cuffs and button band provide elasticity and a refined finish

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and techniques including:

• Slip stitches (sl): Used for seamless transitions and neat edges
• Yarn overs (yo): Create decorative increases within the pattern
• Ribbing: Knit and purl combinations for the cuffs and button band
• Stitch markers and holders: Essential tools for tracking pattern repeats and holding stitches during construction

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Liquorice Cardigan is designed to be worked with Wool Local yarn by Erika Knight, a premium yarn choice that suits the design's aesthetic. The yarn weight is 3-ply or 4-ply, creating a lightweight yet warm fabric.

Yarn quantities by size:

• XS, S, M: 2 skeins Gritstone (light grey) + 1 skein Cathy (charcoal)
• L, XL: 3 skeins Gritstone + 2 skeins Cathy
• 2XL: 3 skeins Gritstone + 2 skeins Cathy

Total yardage required ranges from 1350m to 2250m (1450 to 2500 yards) depending on size.

Tools and Notions

• 3mm circular needles: Used for working in the round from the top down
• 8 stitch markers: For tracking pattern repeats and shaping increases
• 2 stitch holders: Optional; yarn can be used as an alternative for holding stitches
• Buttons: Required for the vertical button band closure (quantity not specified in provided content)

Sizing and Gauge

The pattern accommodates six different sizes with chest measurements ranging from 91.5cm (36 inches) to 117cm (46 inches). Sleeve lengths vary from 34.5cm to 43.5cm (13.5 to 17 inches), ensuring proper fit across different body proportions. The working gauge is 22 stitches by 34 rows over 10cm (10x10cm), which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions.

Difficulty Level

This is an intermediate-level knitting project,