Since I started designing and knitting for men, I’ve developed a love for the timeless simplicity and functionality of classic men’s clothing, especially early to mid-20th century men’s knitwear. So when I decided to knit a cabled sweater for myself, that’s where I went for inspiration. I added the Saxon braid cable, reminiscent of Celtic knot motifs, to make the piece more interesting and feminine.

I chose a soft merino/cashmere blend in emerald green to make this vest. It’s knit in flat pieces and seamed, with the shawl collar added last. The cable pattern looks complicated, but it’s actually fairly easy to follow once the pattern is established. I left the back plain to highlight the design on the front.

Difficulty level: Intermediate

Supplies:
8 balls Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran (55% merino wool, 33% microfiber, 12% cashmere, 90m/50g per ball; shown in color #300032)
US 6 circular needle (16” or longer)
Cable needle
Stitch holder or scrap yarn
Stitch markers or scrap yarn
Weaving needle

Size:
Hem: 17.5” flat, 35” circumference (stretchy)
Bust: 35” circumference
Hem to underarm: 14”
Hem to shoulder: 21”
Armhole: 7” wide, 2” deep
Neckline: 8” wide, 6.5” deep

Skills required:
Cast on
Bind off
Knit
Purl
Basic increases and decreases
Basic sewing
Picking up stitches