Knitting

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Get Great Texture with the Ropes and Twines Cardigan Knitting Pattern

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This is probably just a personal problem, but I always feel like cable patterns need to be knit in a solid color of yarn. If I’m going through all the work of making cables, I want them to be seen!

But the Ropes and Twines Cardigan from Joji Locatelli shows me that a yarn with a little bit of color to it can still make pretty cables that stand out.

This top down cardigan features a cable that runs across the back and down the sleeves, and the fronts and back panel have a lot of texture on their own worked in broken rib, but after the knitting is done, I-cords are braided into the fronts and back, adding another cable-like look without cabling.

These I-cord forms being added on top of the knitting makes them stand out even more for a really dramatic look.

The pattern is worked in worsted weight yarn and is available in 10 sizes, to fit a bust circumference of 33 to 60 inches (83.8 to 152.4 cm). The actual measurement of the sweater ranges from 34.5 to 70.5 inches in the chest, or 86 to 176 cm. It’s meant to be worn with 4 to 6 inches/10-15 cm of positive ease, but you can alter that depending on how you like to wear your cardigans.

This project looks like it would be a lot of fun to knit and to wear, and you could make a version in wool for colder weather and try it in a cotton blend for warmer months.

You can get your copy of this pattern on Ravelry.

And if you’re wondering about knitting all that I-cord, I wrote a post not too long ago that includes three different ways to make I-cord: by hand with needles, using a French knitter or spool knitter, and using a crank-powered I-cord machine. Joji actually used a DK weight yarn for her cords, so you could make them on a machine if you have one handy!

[Photo: Joji Locatelli]

Comments

  1. I understand the plane wool re cables, I have knitted in the amazing Donegal Aran wool, which is like a tweed effect, and is just super looking, I might give this multi colour ago, for my next project, I am just finishing a lovely Aran , knit from a cotton acrylic mix, as ,y son is unable to wear wool, pity, I love knitting cables, I love to knit a lot of Aran jumpers xx enjoying this post

Have you read?

Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults: A Sweet Handmade Dress-Up Idea

There’s something wonderfully charming about a knitted crown. It’s playful, useful for the dress-up basket, and just the sort of small project that gives a leftover ball of yarn a proper purpose. Much better than letting it roll around the cupboard for another three years.

This free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults combines a simple garter-stitch band with shaped triangular points. The mustard-gold colour gives it that storybook crown look, although pink, purple or woodland green would be equally lovely.

A Manageable Next Step for Beginner Knitters

The construction is the appealing part of this design. Everything is knitted flat, so you won’t need double-pointed needles or experience joining stitches in the round.

You knit the band first, then work each crown point separately over a group of 12 stitches. Paired decreases gradually narrow each triangle, giving you a small, repeatable section to concentrate on.

I’d describe this as a confident beginner knitting project. You’ll need to know how to knit, work two types of decreases, hold unused stitches and sew a simple seam. There are several yarn tails to weave in, so a little patience with finishing will help.

Three Sizes With Room to Personalise

The pattern includes three sizes, with seven, eight or nine crown points. Choose by the wearer’s head measurement rather than age, and check your gauge carefully. Yarn stretch will make a noticeable difference to the fit.

For birthdays, an embroidered initial would be a sweet finishing touch. Contrasting yarn diamonds could suggest little jewels without adding hard embellishments.

What to Know Before Casting On

This is a soft knitted crown, so expect gentle points rather than a rigid costume accessory. A springy wool or wool-blend yarn should give the shaping more support than a very drapey yarn.

The stitch calculations have been checked, but the design has not yet been sample-knitted. The accompanying image is an illustrative mockup, so the finished texture and proportions may vary with your yarn and tension.

For a small handmade birthday accessory or a cheerful addition to the dress-up box, this is an appealing idea. And if an adult needs a matching crown for supervising the royal household, the larger size has that covered too.