This sweater is all about texture. Thick, all-over cables combine with squishy garter stitch and reverse stockinette to create a fun and cozy take on the classic cabled sweater.
Time: Multi Week Project
Skill Level: Intermediate
Size: Finished Bust Size 33 (37.75, 42.5, 47.25, 51.75) (56.5, 61.25, 66)” to fit bust 27-29 (31.5-33.5, 36.5-38.5, 41.25-43.25, 45.75 -47.75) (50.5-52.5, 65.25-57.25, 60-62)”
4-6” positive ease recommended.
Shown in size 37.75”
Gauge:
34 sts and 32 rows = 4” in Mutton-Chop cable pattern, on larger needles, after wet blocking.
20 sts and 32 rows = 4” in garter stitch, on larger needles, after wet blocking.
31 sts and 32 rows = 4” in 2×2 rib, on smaller needles, after wet blocking.
Materials
Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners Bo Peep Pure (100% Falkland wool; 122 yards [112 meters]/ 50 grams): 287 Blush (11 (12, 14, 16, 17) (19, 20, 21) balls)
*Please read pattern notes before deciding on yardage.
Needles:
US size 6 (4 mm) 32” circular, or large enough to accommodate body stitches
US size 6 (4 mm) straight needles (optional) for sleeves
US size 5 (3.75 mm) 32” circular, or large enough to accommodate body stitches
US size 5 (3.75 mm) 16” circular for neckband and sleeve cuffs.
An extra US size 6 (if not using separate needles for sleeves) to work the three needle BO.
Notions: 6 stitch markers (1 for BOR, 1 to mark side, 4 to mark cable pattern), spare circular needle or scrap yarn for holding back, cable needle, tapestry needle.
Downloads:
Abbreviations
BOR – beginning of round
Sm – slip marker
Special Stitches
4/4 Right Cross (4/4 RC)
Place 4 sts onto cable needle and hold in back, k4, k4 from cable needle.
4/4 Left Cross (4/4 LC)
Place 4 stitches onto cable needle and hold in front, k4, k4 from cable needle.
Make 1 Right (M1R)
Insert your left-hand needle, from back to front, underneath the strand of yarn running from the last stitch worked to the next stitch, to create a loop. Knit into the front of this loop.
Make 1 Left (M1L)
Insert your left-hand needle, from front to back, underneath the strand of yarn running from the
last stitch worked to the next stitch, to create a loop. Knit into the back of this loop.
2×2 Rib (in the rnd over a multiple of 4 sts)
Rnd 1: *K2, p2; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rep Rnd 1 for pattern.
Mutton-Chop Cable (worked flat over a multiple of 20 sts)
Row 1(RS): K9, p2, k9.
Row 2: K1, p8, k2, p8, k1.
Rows 3-6: Rep Rows 1-2.
Row 7: K1, 4/4 RC, p2, 4/4 LC, k1.
Row 8: K5, p4, k2, p4, k5.
Row 9: K1, p4, k4, p2, k4, p4, k1.
Row 10: Rep Row 8.
Rep Rows 1-10 for pattern.
Mutton-Chop Cable (in the rnd over a multiple of 20 sts)
Rnd 1: K9, p2, k9.
Rnd 2: P1, k8, p2, k8, p1.
Rnds 3-6: Rep Rnds 1-2.
Rnd 7: K1, 4/4 RC, p2, 4/4 LC, k1.
Rnd 8: P5, k4, p2, k4, p5.
Rnd 9: K1, p4, k4, p2, k4, p2, k1.
Rnd 10: Rep Rnd 8.
Rep Rnds 1-10 for pattern.
Pattern Notes
This sweater is designed so that the cables from the front and back meet at the shoulder. In order to achieve this, the body length of each side varies slightly. Please refer to the schematic to determine the exact length for your chosen size. If you wish to adjust this length, it will be necessary to work a full repeat more, or less, of the 10-row cable pattern. Each repeat measures 1.25”. Please be aware that extra yarn will be needed if choosing to add length.
This sweater begins at the bottom, and is knit in the round to the underarms. It is then divided and the front and back are knit flat to the shoulders. The sleeves are knit flat and then sewn to armholes in finishing.
The first stitch of every other round is slipped with the yarn in front, in order to help disguise the jog that occurs when knitting garter stitch in the round. In order to create a matching faux seam on the other side, the first stitch after the opposite side marker is slipped as well.
Pattern
Bottom Ribbing
Using smaller circular needle and the long-tail CO, or the method of your choice, CO 248 (288, 324, 360, 396) (432, 468, 504) sts. Join for working in the rnd, being careful not to twist sts.
Work in 2×2 rib for 1.5”.
Body
Change to larger needle.
Size 33” Only:
Transition Rnd: K8, (M1, k15) 4 times, (M1, k16) 7 times, (M1, k15) 4 times, M1, k8. (264 sts)
Size 37.75” Only:
Transition Rnd: K9, (M1, k18) 15 times, M1, k9. (304 sts)
Size 42.5” Only:
Transition Rnd: K8, (M1, k17) 2 times, (M1, k16) 15 times, (M1, k17) 2 times, M1, k8. (344 sts)
Size 47.25” Only:
Transition Rnd: K7, (M1, k15) 23 times, M1, k8. (384 sts)
Size 51.75” Only:
Transition Rnd: K7, (M1, k15) 2 times, (M1, k14) 23 times, (M1, k15) 2 times, M1, k7. (424 sts)
Size 56.5” Only:
Transition Rnd: K7, (M1, k13) 8 times, (M1, k14) 15 times, (M1, k13) 8 times, M1, k7. (464 sts)
Size 61.25” Only:
Transition Rnd: K6, (M1, k13) 35 times, M1, k7. (504 sts)
Size 66” Only:
Transition Rnd: K6, (M1, k13) 12 times, (M1, k12) 15 times, (M1, k13) 12 times, M1, k6. (544 sts)
All Sizes:
Set-up Rnd: P6, pm, beg with Rnd 2, work 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) (11, 12, 13) rep of Mutton-Chop Cable pattern, pm, p6, pm for side, p6, pm, work 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) (11, 12, 13) rep of Mutton-Chop Cable pattern, pm, p to end.
Next Rnd: Sl1 wyif, k to m, sm, work Rnd 3 of Mutton-Chop Cable pattern to m, k to m, sm, sl1 wyif, k to m, sm, work Rnd 3 of Mutton-Chop Cable pattern to m, sm, k6.
Next Rnd: P to m, sm, work Rnd 4 of Mutton-Chop Cable pattern to m, sm, p to second m, work Rnd 3 of Mutton-Chop Cable pattern to m, sm, p to end.
Cont in pattern as established until piece measures 14.75 (14.25, 13.75, 14.5, 14) (14.75, 14.25, 13.75)” from CO edge, ending after pattern Row 6 (2, 8, 4, 10) (6, 2, 8).
Separate Front and Back:
Front
Next Rnd (RS): BO 5 sts, sm, work in pattern as established to m, sl, k6, turn, placing rem sts for back on spare needle or scrap yarn. (127 (147, 167, 187, 208) (227, 247, 267) front sts rem)
Next Rnd (WS): BO 5 sts, sm, cont in pattern as established, now working Mutton-Chop Cable pattern flat, to m, sm, p1. (122 (142, 162, 182, 202) (222, 242, 262) sts rem)
Next Rnd (RS): K1, sm, cont in pattern as established to m, sm, k1.
Next Rnd (WS): P1, sm, cont pattern as established to m, sm, p1.
Keep the first and last stitch of each row in St st to create a selvedge edge for sewing the sleeves.
Cont as established until front measures 3.75 (4.25, 4.75, 5.25, 5.75) (6.25, 6.75, 7.25) ending with pattern Row 7.
Next Row (WS): Work 49 (58, 68, 74, 83) (92, 101, 111) sts, BO 24 (26, 26, 34, 36) (38, 40, 40) st for neck, work to end. (49 (58, 68, 74, 83) (92, 101, 111) sts rem each side)
Left Front Shoulder
Next Row (RS): Work as established.
Next Row (WS): BO 3 sts, work to end. (46 (55, 65, 71, 80) (89, 98, 108) sts rem)
When working neck decreases, if there are not enough stitches to complete the cable, work the stitches, as well as the following rows, in St st. Continue to maintain the garter stitch column from the first and last stitch of the pattern repeat.
Cont as established, BO 2 sts on every WS row 5 times, then 1 st every WS row 4 times. (32 (41, 51, 57, 66) (75, 84, 94) sts rem)
From now on, the stitch along the neck edge is kept in St st, creating a selvedge edge for picking up the neckband stitches.
Next Row (RS): Cont as established to last st, k1.
Next Row (WS): P1, work to end of row.
Work even until front measures 7.5 (8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11)” from divide, ending with pattern Row 7.
Cut yarn and place shoulder sts on holder.
Right Front Shoulder
Next Row (RS): Rejoin yarn, BO 3 sts, work to end of row. (46 (55, 65, 71, 80) (89, 98, 108) sts rem)
Next Row (WS): Work as established.
Cont as established, BO 2 sts on every RS row 5 times, then 1 st every RS row 4 times. (32 (41, 51, 57, 66) (75, 84, 94) sts rem)
Next Row (WS): Work as established to last st, p1.
Next Row (RS): K1, work to end of row.
Work even until front measures 7.5 (8, 8.5, 9, 9.5) (10, 10.5, 11)” from divide, ending with pattern Row 7.
Cut yarn and place shoulder sts on holder.
Back
Place held back sts back on needle.
Next Rnd: BO 5 sts, sm, work in pattern as established to m, sl, k6. (127 (147, 167, 187, 208) (227, 247, 267) back sts rem)
Next Rnd (WS): BO 5 sts, sm, cont in pattern as established, working flat, to m, sm, p1. (122 (142, 162, 182, 202) (222, 242, 262) sts rem)
Next Rnd (RS): K1, sm, cont in pattern as established to m, sm, k1.
Next Rnd (WS): P1, sm, cont in pattern as established to m, sm, p1.
Cont until piece measures 6.25 (6.75, 7.25, 7.75, 8.25) (8.75, 9.25, 9.75) from divide ending with pattern Row 7.
Next Row (WS): Work 35 (44, 54, 60, 69) (78, 87, 97) sts, BO 52 (54, 54, 62, 64) (66, 68, 68) sts, work to end. (35 (44, 54, 60, 69) (78, 87, 97) sts rem each side)
Right Back Shoulder
Next Row (RS): Cont in pattern.
Next Row (WS): BO 2 sts, work in pattern to end. (33 (42, 52, 58, 67) (76, 85, 95) sts rem)
Next WS Row: BO 1 st, work in pattern to end. (32 (41, 51, 57, 66) (75, 84, 94) sts rem)
Work even as established until piece measures 7.5 (8, 8.5, 9, 9.5) (10, 10.5, 11) from underarm divide, ending on pattern Row 7. Leave long tail for working the BO. Place sts on holder.
Left Back Shoulder
Next Row (RS): BO 2 sts, cont as established to end. (33 (42, 52, 58, 67) (76, 85, 95) sts rem)
Next RS Row: BO 1 st, work in pattern to end. (32 (41, 51, 57, 66) (75, 84, 94) sts rem)
Work even as established until piece measures 7.5 (8, 8.5, 9, 9.5) (10, 10.5, 11) from underarm divide. Leave long tail for working the BO.
Sleeves (make 2)
Using smaller needle and the long-tail CO, or the method of your choice, CO 62 (62, 66, 70, 70) (74, 74 78) sts.
Next Row (RS): K2, *p2, k2; rep from * to end.
Next Row (WS): P2, *k2, p2; rep from * to end.
Rep last 2 rows until piece measures 1.5” from CO edge, ending with a WS row.
Change to larger needle.
Sizes 33 (37.75)” Only:
Transition Row (RS): K2, k2tog, k4, (k2tog, k3) 9 times, k2tog, k4, k2tog, k1. (50 sts rem)
Size 42.5” Only:
Transition Row (RS): K2, (k2tog, k2) 2 times, (k2tog, k3) 9 times, (k2tog, k2) 2 times, k2tog, k1. (52 sts rem)
Sizes 47.25 (51.75)” Only:
Transition Row (RS): K2, (k2tog, k2) 5 times, (k2tog, k3) 5 times, (k2tog, k2) 5 times, k2tog, k1. (54 sts rem)
Sizes 56.5 (61.25)” Only:
Transition Row (RS): K2, (k2tog, k2) 3 times, (k2tog, k3) 9 times, (k2tog, k2) 3 times, k2tog, k1. (58 sts rem)
Size 66” Only:
Transition Row (RS): K2, (k2tog, k2) 6 times, (k2tog, k3) 5 times, (k2tog, k2) 6 times, k2tog, k1. (60 sts rem)
All Sizes:
Set-Up Row (WS): K15 (15, 16, 17, 17) (19, 19, 20) sts, pm, beg with Row 2, work Mutton-Chop Cable Pattern flat, pm, k to end.
Next Rnd (RS): K to m, sm, work Row 3 of Mutton-Chop Cable Pattern flat, sm, k to end.
Next Rnd (WS): K to m, sm, work Row 4 of Mutton-Chop Cable Pattern flat, sm, k to end.
Inc Rnd (RS): K2, M1L, k to m, work Mutton-Chop Cable pattern as established, sm, k to last 2 sts, M1R, k to end. (2 sts increased)
Cont as established, rep Inc Row every 8 (8, 8, 6, 6) (6, 6, 6) rows 12 (6, 0, 19, 13) (13, 7, 5) times, then every 6 (6, 6, 4, 4) (4, 4, 4) rows 4 (12, 20, 2, 11) (11, 20, 23) times. (84 (88, 94, 98, 104) (108, 114, 118) sts)
Work even until sleeve measures 19” from CO edge. BO all sts.
Finishing
With RS facing and starting at the neck edge, place left shoulder pieces onto needles. Seam pieces tog using the three-needle BO.
With RS facing and starting at the outside edge, place right shoulder pieces onto needles. Seam pieces tog using the three-needle BO.
Block sleeves and body to measurements.
Beg along the BO edge of underarm, sew sleeve to armhole.
Seam sleeve to cuff.
Weave in ends.
Neckband
When picking up the stitches at the front of the neck, you will be picking up stitches that were cabled the previous row. Taking the stitches that went in back of the cable and pulling them up, as if trying to pull them out of the cable, will expose all the stitches to make this easier.
Starting at the inside right shoulder seam, pick up and knit 7 sts from back right neck curve, 56 (56, 56, 64, 66) (68, 70, 70) sts from back neck, 7 sts from back left neck curve, 24 sts from left front neck, 22 (24, 24, 30, 34) (36, 38, 38) from front BO edge, and 24 sts from right front curve.
Pm for working in the rnd. (140 (142, 142, 156, 162) (166, 170, 170) sts)
Dec Rnd: [K2, p2tog, p1] 6 (5, 5, 6, 7) (7, 7, 7) times, [k2, p2] 3 (5, 5, 3, 2) (3, 3, 3) times,
[k2, p2tog, p1] 12 (11, 11, 14, 15) (15, 15, 15) times, [k2, p2] 2 (3, 3, 1, 1) (1, 2, 2) times, [k2, p2tog, p1] 6 (6, 6, 8, 8) (8, 8, 8) times. (116 (120, 120, 128, 132) (136, 140, 140) sts rem)
Next Rnd: *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
Rep last rnd until neckband measures 1” from pick up edge. BO all sts.
Block again, if desired.
A- Chest Circumference: 33 (37.75, 42.5, 47.25, 51.75) (56.5, 61.25, 66)”
B- Length from Underarm: 14.75 (14.25, 13.75, 14.5, 14) (14.75, 14.25, 13.75)”
C- Armhole Depth: 7.5 (8, 8.5, 9, 9.5) (10, 10.5, 11)”
D- Back Neck: 6.75 (7, 7, 8, 8.25) (8.5, 8.75)”
E- Underarm Bind Off: 1”
F-Shoulder Width: 3.75 (4.75, 6, 6.75, 7.75) (8.75, 10, 11)”
G-Upper Arm: 15 (16, 17, 18, 29) (20, 21, 22)”
H- Arm Length: 19”
I- Wrist: 8 (8, 8.5, 9, 9) (9.5, 9.5, 10)”