Easy Fit, Easy Knit Cabled Sweater

Easy Fit, Easy Knit Cabled Sweater by Pat Menchini

What is Being Made

This is a women's cabled sweater designed for ease of fit and straightforward knitting construction. The garment is available in six sizes, ranging from bust measurements of 76-81 cm (30-32 inches) up to 127-132 cm (50-52 inches), with actual finished bust measurements from 94 cm to 146 cm. The sweater features a classic pullover silhouette with set-in sleeves and cable detailing throughout. The length at centre back to shoulder shaping ranges from 64 to 67 cm depending on size, while all sleeve lengths measure 47 cm (18½ inches), making this a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and proportions.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs cable techniques as a primary design element, requiring the use of a cable needle to create the textured pattern work. The sweater is constructed using standard flat knitting methods with multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and fabric structure. The pattern incorporates stitch holders for managing stitches during armhole and neckline shaping, indicating a traditional sweater construction approach with separate pieces that are later seamed together. The straightforward design and "easy knit" designation suggest the cable work, while present, is executed in a manner accessible to intermediate knitters without excessive complexity.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pattern is worked to a tension of 14 stitches and 21 rows over 10 cm (4 inches), which is a standard gauge for chunky-weight yarn knitting. Cable stitches form the primary decorative element of this sweater. The use of stitch holders indicates the pattern includes techniques such as binding off and holding stitches for later pickup during neckline and armhole finishing. The intermediate difficulty level suggests the pattern likely incorporates basic increases and decreases for shaping the armholes and neckline, along with ribbing for cuffs and hem edges to provide structure and elasticity to the finished garment.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This sweater is knitted using King Cole Indulge Chunky yarn in the shade 2461, Lavender. The yarn provides 230 metres (251 yards) per 100g ball. The yardage requirements vary by size: sizes one through three require 5 balls each, while sizes four through six require 6 balls each, totaling between 500 and 600 metres of yarn depending on the chosen size. The chunky weight of this yarn creates a quick-knitting project with excellent drape and warmth.

Three different needle sizes are required to achieve proper fabric structure and gauge: 5 mm (UK 6, US 8), 6 mm (UK 4, US 10), and 7 mm (UK 2, US 10½) knitting needles. The pattern note indicates that US knitters may substitute a size 10½ needle for the 7 mm size. Additionally, one cable needle is essential for executing the cable stitches throughout the pattern, and two stitch holders are required for managing stitches during construction. The use of multiple needle sizes allows the designer to create varied fabric densities—typically smaller needles for ribbed edges to provide elasticity and larger needles for the main garment body to achieve the correct gauge and drape.

• Craft: Knitting
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Yarn Weight: Chunky
• Designer: Pat Menchini
• Format: Downloadable PDF Pattern