Schoodic Cardigan

Schoodic Cardigan by Hannah Fettig

What is Being Made

The Schoodic Cardigan is a knitted cardigan sweater designed by Hannah Fettig and distributed through Kelbourne Woolens. This intermediate-level garment features a sophisticated construction with cable details and is available in seven sizes ranging from 36 inches to 59.75 inches chest circumference. The cardigan is worked primarily in the round using circular needles, creating a seamless construction that minimizes finishing work.

Knitting Techniques Used

This design employs several essential knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The primary construction method is knitting in the round, which creates a tubular fabric and requires proficiency with circular needles and double-pointed needles. The pattern incorporates cable work, a decorative technique that involves crossing groups of stitches over one another to create textured, twisted patterns throughout the garment. Additionally, the Schoodic Cardigan requires increasing and decreasing techniques to shape the body, sleeves, and neckline appropriately for a well-fitting garment. The pattern specifies custom stitch abbreviations including Left Twist (LT), Right Twist (RT), Left Purl Twist (LPT), and Right Purl Twist (RPT), which are specialized cable variations that add visual interest to the finished piece.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The cardigan is primarily worked in stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for showcasing cable details. The gauge is 21 stitches and 33 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking, which is typical for DK-weight yarn. Cable stitches form the decorative elements, with the pattern utilizing twist stitches that require a cable needle to manipulate the yarn overs and create the characteristic crossed appearance. These twisted cable variations—left twists, right twists, and their purl counterparts—are worked systematically throughout the design to create visual texture and dimension.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Schoodic Cardigan calls for The Fibre Company Acadia yarn, a premium blend consisting of 60% Merino wool, 20% Baby Alpaca, and 20% Silk. This luxurious fiber combination provides warmth, softness, and a subtle sheen. The yarn is distributed by Kelbourne Woolels and comes in 145-yard skeins weighing 50 grams. The color specified in the pattern is amber. Yardage requirements range from 10 skeins for the smallest size (36" chest) to 19 skeins for the largest size (59.75" chest), allowing crafters to select the appropriate quantity based on their desired finished size.

The needles required include one US 5 (3.75mm) 32-inch circular needle for the main body construction and a set of US 5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needles (dpns) for working smaller circumferences, particularly when shaping the neckline or sleeves. These needle sizes are appropriate for DK-weight yarn and create the specified gauge of 21 stitches per 4 inches.

Additional Notions and Tools

Beyond yarn and needles, the Schoodic Cardigan requires several essential notions: a cable needle (cn) for manipulating stitches during cable work, stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points, scrap yarn for holding stitches temporarily during construction, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and any necessary seaming. These tools are standard in most knitter's collections and support the seamless construction and finishing of this intermediate project.

Skill Level and Project Scope

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Schoodic Cardigan is appropriate for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to expand their skills. The necessary techniques—knitting in the round, cabling, and shaping through increases and decreases—represent the core competencies expected at the intermediate level. This pattern provides an excellent opportunity to develop proficiency with cable work while creating a wearable, sophisticated garment.