A super simple, oversized cropped sweater with a stunning elongated basketweave pattern.

We work from the top down using a simple construction. We cast on stitches at the shoulder and work down the back to the underarm with a little short row shaping. Stitches are picked up at each shoulder and worked down the front to the underarm, shaping the neckline as we go. All stitches are joined in the round and worked straight down to the hem, working an elongated basketweave cable pattern. We pick up stitches round each armhole for the sleeves and work them in the round to the cuff. Finally stitches are picked up round the neckline and worked in ribbing.

An Caisteal is a mountain not too far from where we stay in Glasgow, topped with dramatic rock formations. The name literally means “the castle” and it does feel like you’re scaling the castle walls at times! It’s a favourite climb, and it was brought to my mind after finally moving to a house big enough for a dedicated Littletheorem Studio after almost a year in a tiny rented flat – it feels very much like living in a castle!

Suggested Yarn: Black Elephant Yarns Aran (100% superwash merino, 166 m/181 yds per 100 g skein)
Colourway Impulse
Meterage (575, 640, 705) [945, 1030, 1110] {1485, 1595, 1690} m
Yardage (635, 705, 775) [1040, 1135, 1220] {1635, 1755, 1860} yds

Needles: 5.5 mm/US 9 100 cm/40” circular needle or as required to achieve correct gauge

Gauge: 14 sts and 28 rows = 10 cm/4” in garter stitch after blocking

Dimensions (Metric):
To Fit Chest: (62.5, 75, 87.5) [100, 112.5, 125] {137.5, 150, 162.5} cm
Garment Chest Measurement: (107, 118.5, 131) [143, 156, 167] {178.5, 191, 203} cm
Armhole Depth 5 cm above Elbow (17.5, 17.5, 17.5) [21, 21, 21] {26, 26, 26} cm
Length Underarm to Hem: (32.5, 32.5, 32.5) [35, 35, 35] {37.5, 37.5, 37.5} cm
Sleeve Length 5 cm above Elbow to Cuff: (30, 30, 30) [31, 31, 31] {32.5, 32.5, 32.5} cm

Dimensions (Imperial):
To Fit Chest: (25, 30, 35) [40, 45, 50] {55, 60, 65}”
Garment Chest Measurement: (43, 47, 53) [57, 62, 67] {71, 77, 81}”
Armhole Depth 2” above Elbow: (7, 7, 7) [8½, 8½, 8½] {10½, 10½, 10½}”
Length Underarm to Hem (13, 13, 13) [14, 14, 14] {15, 15, 15}”
Sleeve Length 2” above Elbow to Cuff (12, 12, 12) [12½, 12½, 12½] {13, 13, 13}”

Extras: Tapestry needle for weaving in loose ends, angled cable needle (for holding elongated cable stitches, you could also use a short circular needle or e.g. a 10 mm dpn), one stitch marker, stitch holder/waste yarn/spare circular needle for holding stitches, you may find a row counter useful

Techniques: Cast on and bind off, work flat and in the round, basic cable stitches, increase and decrease stitches with m1, ssk, k2tog and yo, work short rows (instructions given). The cable pattern is a little fiddly but there’s a video tutorial to go along with it.

Many, many thanks to my wonderful tech editor Alittlebitsheepish and to test knitters Janice1810, knitndough, Shirfitz and Uxxa.