Wish Tree

Wish Tree Cardigan by bunnymuff - Mona Zillah

What is Being Made

The Wish Tree is an advanced-level knitted cardigan pattern designed by independent designer bunnymuff (Mona Zillah). This downloadable PDF knitting pattern creates a fitted cardigan suitable for experienced knitters seeking a complex, detailed construction project.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern uses 4-ply yarn weight (also referred to as Fingering weight) in a specific fiber blend. The recommended yarn is 2 Ply Jumper Weight by Jamieson & Smith, which is 100% Shetland wool and yields approximately 125 yards (115 meters) per 25-gram ball.

The pattern calls for three yarn colors:

• Main Color (MC) in shade FC12: 8 to 16 balls depending on size
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1) in shade 202: 4 to 9 balls depending on size
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2) in shade FC38: 3 to 5 balls depending on size

Needles required include 2.5mm needles for the folded hem, 2.75mm (US No. 2) circular needles measuring 24 inches/60 centimeters, and 3.25mm (US No. 3) circular needles measuring 40 inches/101 centimeters, along with double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same sizes.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 26 stitches by 32 rounds over 4 inches/10 centimeters when measured over stranded stockinette stitch. Multiple size options are provided throughout the pattern.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The Wish Tree cardigan employs several advanced knitting techniques appropriate for experienced crafters:

• Stranded Colorwork: The pattern features stranded stockinette stitch, a technique where two or more colors are carried across the row to create intricate color patterns. This requires careful tension management to prevent puckering and ensure even fabric.
• Circular Knitting: The garment is constructed using circular needles, allowing for seamless in-the-round knitting on both the body and sleeves.
• Icelandic Bind-Off: The pattern specifies an icelandic bind-off technique, which creates a decorative and elastic edge. This method involves knitting one stitch, returning it to the left needle, going into the back of the stitch purl-wise, catching the second stitch's leg and bringing it under the first stitch, then knitting into that stitch before removing both stitches from the needle. This process is repeated until all stitches are bound off.
• Increases: The pattern uses make-one (m1) increases worked knitwise, which involve lifting the horizontal strand between stitches and knitting into it to add new stitches while maintaining pattern continuity.
• Knit Through Back Loop (ktbl): This stitch variation twists the stitch and is used selectively throughout the pattern for textural or structural purposes.
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping.
• Folded Hem: The pattern includes a folded hem construction worked on smaller needles before transitioning to the main gauge needles.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, making it suitable for knitters with substantial experience in colorwork, circular knitting, and complex shaping. The combination of stranded colorwork, multiple color changes, and specialized bind-off techniques requires strong foundational skills and attention to detail.

Pattern support is available through the designer at mona8pi@gmail.com for questions or clarification during the knitting process.