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Dramatic to behold and simple to make, this slouchy top-down reversible cardigan is worked entirely in the round in the manner of a circular shawl. The seamless construction with concentric increases creates a relaxed, streaming silhouette.

This meditative project is suitable for both experienced and reluctant garment knitters. If you love making shawls, you will especially enjoy this pattern. Ciorcal means ‘circle’ in Irish Gaelic, and is pronounced similarly to the English.

This pattern includes a schematic with measurements.

Pattern includes traditional instructions for 3 different yarn weights, as described below. Additionally, an Appendix explains how to knit this cardigan using any yarn and any gauge, as well as how to customise sizing. The Appendix also contains suggestions for alternative edgings (a chart for optional lacey edgings is provided), as well as instructions for modifying actual circular shawl patterns into this style of cardigan.

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MATERIALS & INFORMATION



Size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) 

Finished garment measures as follows around chest circumference, with fronts overlapping dramatically:
90cm/ 36” (100cm/ 40”, 110cm/ 44”, 120cm/ 48”, 130cm/ 52”, 140cm/ 56”, 150cm/60”, 160cm/ 64” )

Fit recommendation
Select size with approximately (but no less than) 10cm/4” of ease

Yarn
lightweight option:
suitable for fingering weight yarns,
approximately 400m/415y per 100g/ 3.5oz

requires 3 (4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6) 100g/ 3.5oz skeins

midweight option:
suitable for sportweight yarns,
approximately 300m/310y per 100g/ 3.5oz

requires 4 (4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7) 100g/ 3.5oz skeins

heavy weight option:
suitable for DK weight yarns,
approximately 200m/210y per 100g/ 3.5oz

requires 5 (5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8) 100g/ 3.5oz skeins


Gauge
(in stockinette)
lightweight option: 26 sts x 34 rounds
midweight option: 22 sts x 28 rounds
heavy weight option: 18 sts x 24 rounds
… = 10cm x 10cm (4” x 4”)

Needles:

as needed to meet gauge, with the following suggested starting points -

lightweight option:
Needle A: circular needle, 3mm (US Size 3) in diameter
Needle B: circular needle, 2.5mm (US Size 2) in diameter
 Needle C: circular needle, 2.25mm (US Size 1) in diameter


midweight option:
Needle A: circular needle, 4mm (US Size 6) in diameter
 Needle B: circular needle, 3.25mm (US Size 3) in diameter
 Needle C: circular needle, 2.75mm (US Size 2) in diameter


heavy weight option:
Needle A: circular needle, 5mm (US Size 8) in diameter
 Needle B: circular needle, 4mm (US Size 6) in diameter
 Needle C: circular needle, 3mm (US Size 3) in diameter


Note that, unless you use the Magic Loop method, you may also need a set of double-pointed needles in size A for casting on and working the initial rounds, due to the small st count.

Notions:

stitch markers, scrap yarn, tapestry needle, shawl pin or 3-5 buttons or sets of snap closures; optional if opting for closures: thread and sewing needle 



Special Techniques

circular cast-on; optional if opting for closures: ‘afterthought’ buttonholes or crochet chain for button loops

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SAMPLE INFO.

sample shown is a Size 2
worn with 10cm/4” and 15cm/ 6” of virtual ease

made with Höner och Eir Nutiden
, held double

in the Vibeke colourway

following standard pattern instructions for the heavy weight option

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Notes on Styling and Fit

To be clear, the Ciorcal cardigan is quite literally a circular shawl with sleeves! It has no structure or tailoring. For that reason it is essential to follow the fit recommendation and choose a size with sufficient ease. Opting for a figure-hugging size will likely result in fit issues.

This garment is top-down reversible. Wearing it one way results in a long bodice and moderate shawl collar. Wearing it in reverse results in a bodice with less back coverage and a more dramatic, voluminous shawl collar - which can also be worn as a hood.

Be aware that this garment does not have ‘shoulders’ as such. If you have narrow sloping shoulders, you may find that it wants to slip off if you wear it open; using a shaw pin or other fastening method is recommended.

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Notes on Yarn Selection

Select yarn in a similar manner as you would for a shawl. This design works best with a yarn that is light and airy (i.e. woollen spun and can be worked above gauge). Using a dense yarn will result in a very heavy garment, particularly if you are working in anything above sportweight.

If you are drawn to the contemporary, ‘minimalist’ look of the cardigan in the sample photos, using the same solid or tonal colour for the entire garment is recommended. Be aware that working stripes, colour block, or variegated yarn will create a spiral/ swirl effect from the centre out, which will result in a very different look.