Downstream

This simple top-down cardigan with raglan shaping is a sleek and wearable knit. Make yours in a single shade, without the stripes, if you prefer.

Yarn
Kate Davies Designs Àrd-Thìr (60% Highland Wool; 40% Alpaca; 65m / 71yds per 50g skein)
A Camusdarach: 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) x 50g skeins
B Vatersay: 3 (3, 4, 4, 4) x 50g skeins
Yarn quantities have been calculated for the dimensions given in the sizing table. If you wish to add length to the cardigan body or sleeves, you may need more yarn.

Needles and notions
Gauge-size and below gauge-size needle(s) (60-80cm / 24-32in) for working body
Gauge-size and below gauge-size needle(s) of your preferred length and type for working small circumferences for sleeves
Stitch markers
Waste yarn
Tapestry needle

Gauge
16 sts and 24 rounds to 10cm / 4in over stockinette back and forth and in the round
Use 5.5mm / U.S. 9 needle as a starting point for swatching.

Sizes
Finished bust (bands not overlapped): 91.5 (104, 114.5, 127, 134.5) cm / 36 (41, 45, 50, 53) in
Pick the size above your actual bust measurement.
Worn in the second size with 12.5cm / 5in positive ease

Special Techniques
Working flat; working in the round; changing shades in stripe sequence; increasing and decreasing with the m1 and m1p methods; backwards-loop cast on; i-cord bind-off

Pattern notes
This cardigan is knitted seamlessly, from the top down, following a simple 12 row (10+2) stripe sequence. Stitches are cast on for the neck and shoulders, and the body and sleeves are shaped together with raglan increases. Stitches are cast on for the underarms, the sleeves are divided from the body, and the body is then worked down to the required garment length. The sleeves are worked top-down and in the round, before a wide, integrated band and collar is picked up around the neck and front openings. The integrated band is worked in rib, and completed with an i-cord bind-off for a neat and finished look. The cardigan fronts can be worn open, or fastened with a brooch.