Shadow Box Jacket

Shadow Box Jacket by Purl Alpaca Designs

What is Being Made

The Shadow Box Jacket is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Purl Alpaca Designs. This garment is available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, with finished chest measurements of 73 cm (29 inches) through 112 cm (44 inches). The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in size Small. This is a structured jacket project suitable for knitters with intermediate experience looking to expand their technical skills.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Shadow Box Jacket employs several advanced knitting techniques to create its distinctive design. Short row shaping is used for shoulder and neck construction, involving turning the work and wrapping yarn around the needle to create smooth, contoured shaping without visible holes. Cable stitches feature prominently in the pattern, including C4B (cable 4 back) maneuvers that create textured, twisted columns in the fabric. The pattern utilizes stocking stitch as the primary fabric base, which creates a smooth, classic knit surface. Knitters will work with circular needles due to the weight and large number of stitches involved in the project, allowing for even distribution of the garment's mass during construction.

Stitches and Stitch Details

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) – the foundational stitch creating the smooth fabric base
• Cable stitches – specifically C4B (cable 4 back), which involves slipping stitches to a cable needle and crossing them over other stitches to create textured, twisted effects
• Short row shaping – a technique where the knitter turns work mid-row and wraps stitches to create gradual shaping for shoulders and neckline without gaps

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Shadow Box Jacket is designed to showcase the luxurious qualities of Purl Alpaca 100% English Alpaca yarn. The pattern calls for multiple yarn weights and types from the Purl Alpaca collection:

• Purl Alpaca Worsted Spun Yarn in Medium Black (Color A) – 77 meters per 50 grams; requires 3 to 5 skeins depending on size
• Purl Alpaca Worsted Spun Yarn in Medium White (Color B) – 77 meters per 50 grams; requires 3 to 5 skeins depending on size
• Purl Alpaca Chunky in Ivory (Color C) – 77 meters per 100 grams; requires 2 to 4 balls depending on size
• Purl Alpaca Fine in Black (Color D) – 116 meters per 50 grams; requires 2 to 3 balls depending on size

For knitters who prefer working with Worsted Spun Yarn exclusively, the pattern provides guidance on yarn holding: use 2 strands held together to achieve Medium weight effects, or 3 strands held together for Chunky weight effects. This flexibility allows crafters to work with consistent yarn from a single weight category if desired.

Needles and Tools

The Shadow Box Jacket requires 5mm and 6mm circular needles. Circular needles are essential for this project due to the significant weight of the alpaca yarn and the large stitch count involved. The pattern specifies that knitters should change needle size as necessary to achieve the correct tension. Additional notions required include a cable needle for executing cable stitches, stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction, and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is critical for proper fit. The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches and 18 rows to 10 centimeters when working in stocking stitch using 6mm needles and chunky yarn. Knitters should swatch before beginning and adjust needle sizes up or down as needed to match this gauge precisely, as even small variations will affect the finished jacket's dimensions.

Yarn Weight Range

The Shadow Box Jacket accommodates multiple yarn weights, including 4-ply, DK (double knit), chunky, and super chunky options. This versatility allows crafters to select yarn based on personal