The Finial & Fern Cardigan is a top-down, drop sleeve colorwork cardigan with two length options. The construction starts at the shoulders, which are worked flat down to the underarm. The front and back pieces are then joined together to work in the round with a center selvage for steeking.

The idea for this sweater came to me on a bleak day in the middle of winter, when I was freezing my keister off and dreaming of spring. I was lusting after all things growing and green, but I also really wanted a super warm, super cozy cardigan that would feel like cocooning myself in a big blanket. Oh, and I wanted it fast.

“Fast” and “knitting” do not usually go hand in hand, but by using bulky-weight yarn this cardigan knits up surprisingly quickly. And it’s cozy! And warm! And like wearing a big blanket! And green!

This pattern includes options for short and long lengths, and it looks great on all genders. And if you hate catching floats in colorwork, be sure to check out my handy trick :wink:

Measurements and Sizing:

• Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X)
• Finished bust measurements: 35 (40.5, 45.75, 51.25, 56.75, 62.25, 67.75, 73.25)”, 89 (103, 116, 130, 144, 158, 172, 186) cm
• To fit chest sizes: 28 (33.5, 39, 44.5, 50, 55.5, 61, 66.5)”, 71 (85, 99, 113, 127, 141, 155, 169) cm
• 6-10” / 15-25 cm ease recommended
• Long version (green) is shown in Size L on a 42” / 106.5 cm bust, 5’ 7” / 170 cm tall model

Needles & Notions:

• US 8 / 5 mm and US 9 / 5.5 mm needles or size needed to obtain gauge, for working flat and 24-60” / 61-152.5 cm circular needles for working in the round
• DPNs or circular needles for Magic Loop in US 9 / 5.5 mm, for working the sleeves
• Waste yarn and crochet hook for securing the steek
• Stitch markers and tapestry needle
• 4 to 6 buttons, 1” diameter (optional)

Gauge:

17.5 sts and 23 rounds = 4” / 10 cm on US 9 / 5.5 mm after blocking. Colorwork gauge is 17.5 sts and 18 rounds = 4” / 10 cm after blocking on US 9 / 5.5 mm

Yarn & Yardage:

Cascade Yarns Eco+ in Shire (Color A)and Turtle (Color B). 100% Peruvian Highland Wool, 478 yds / 437 m and 250 g / 8.82 oz per skein.

Long Version:

• For Color A you will need 430 (499, 574, 664, 772, 881, 974, 1082) grams / 15.05 (17.47, 20.09, 23.24, 27.02, 30.84, 34.09, 37.87) ounces, or 823 (955, 1098, 1270, 1477, 1685, 1863, 2069) yards / 753 (873, 1004, 1161, 1351, 1541, 1704, 1892) meters. 2 (2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5) skeins
• For Color B you will need 95 (110, 126, 146, 171, 194, 215, 239) grams / 3.33 (3.85, 4.41, 5.11, 5.99, 6.79, 7.53, 8.37) ounces, or 182 (211, 241, 280, 327, 371, 412, 457) yards / 166 (193, 220, 256, 299, 339, 377, 418) meters. 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1) skeins

Short Version:

• For Color A you will need 347 (401, 453, 519, 600, 686, 748, 825) grams / 12.15 (14.04, 15.86, 18.17, 21, 24.01, 26.18, 28.88) ounces, or 664 (767, 867, 993, 1148, 1312, 1431, 1578) yards / 607 (701, 793, 908, 1050, 1200, 1309, 1443) meters.] 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4) skeins

• For Color B you will need 95 (110, 126, 146, 171, 194, 215, 239) grams / 3.33 (3.85, 4.41, 5.11, 5.99, 6.79, 7.53, 8.37) ounces, or 182 (211, 241, 280, 327, 371, 412, 457) yards / 166 (193, 220, 256, 299, 339, 377, 418) meters. 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1) skeins

5% overage included for both yarns.

Pattern has been professionally tech edited.