Also available: Midland Neck

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Watch the ‘Everything you need to know about the Midland Cardigan’ Video here

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Sizes 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Shoulder Span (A):
56.5 61.5 67.25 73.75 78 83.25 90.75 95.25 103.5 108.5cm
22.5 24.5 26.5 29 30.75 32.75 35.75 37.5 40.75 42.75”

Chest Circ (B): 
101 110.5 122.5 134.5 144 153.5 167.5 176 192 202.5cm
39.75 43.5 48.5 53 56.75 60.5 66 69.25 75.5 79.75“

Lower Waist (C):
88 98 110 121 131 140 154 162 177 187cm 
34.75 38.5 43.25 47.75 51.5 55.25 60.5 63.75 69.5 73.75”

Bicep circ: 
32 32 33.5 36 38 40.5 45 47.5 49.5 52cm    
12.5 12.5 13.25 14.25 15 16 17.75 18.75 19.5 20.5“

Length centre back, inc neckband:
57 58.5 59.5 61.5 63 63.5 63.5 66.5 68.5 70.5cm 
22.5 23 23.5 24.25 24.75 25 25 26.25 27 27.75”

Yarn 
Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. Hearth DK, 100% British Wool, 240m/100g or John Arbon Appledore DK, 100% British Wool, 250m/100g
1080 1200 1200 1440 1440 1680 1680 1920 2160 2280 metres 

Gauge 
18 sts x 34 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4” in Garter Stitch on 4.5mm needles

Needles 
4.5mm (2 sets if using the seamless method), 4mm, 3.5mm circular             needles, 100-250cm / 40-100” cables 

Accessories 
stitch markers, embroidery needle, scissors, 4 x 18-20mm buttons

Construction
The Midland Cardigan is worked sideways starting at the right side. Stitches are cast on for the body and armhole (with options for seamed or seamless), then the shoulder cap is shaped with short rows. The shoulder shaping is then worked with increases to raise the back neck. Next the front right is worked using short rows to shape the V neck, front stitches are cast off then the back is worked. Stitches are cast on to work the front left, followed by the shoulder shaping and shoulder cap, mimicking the right side. Left side seam is grafted closed with Kitchener stitch, or seamed with mattress stitch. The sleeves are picked up and worked in the round. The hem stitches are picked up and worked flat in 1x1 rib. Finally an applied double knit button band is worked. A continuous faux seam is worked throughout, running along the top of the sleeves and shoulders. Modifications for bicep circumference and body length are included, please note this may affect the amount of yarn needed.

Choosing your size
Designed to have an oversized tapered fit, the body length is slightly cropped so the cardigan sits between the natural waist and the hips. This is referred to as the ‘lower waist’. Make sure to choose a size with no more than 15cm / 6” positive ease at the lower waist or 25.5 - 30.5cm / 10-12” positive ease at the chest. 

Note - The chest circumference is devised by taking the widest and narrowest point of the body and finding the average. Take this measurement as an approximation so it is best to choose your size based on the lower waist as this is the most fitted part of the cardigan.

Model wears a size 3 and has a 94cm/ 37” chest giving 29cm / 11.5” positive ease and a 96.5cm / 38” lower waist giving 12.5cm / 5.25” positive ease.

Gauge and yarn
Always make sure to gauge swatch to ensure your cardigan fits and you like the fabric you’ve created. Unlike most patterns, your stitch gauge will dictate the length of your cardigan and your row gauge will dictate the width (except the sleeves). There is not a lot of room for adjustment so make sure you match the gauge.
The yarns used are very light and bloom when washed so try and use a yarn that has a similar fibre content and the same or similar meterage per 100g. Superwash treated yarns are not recommended as they don’t have the stability to support the structure of this garment. A high wool content is advised. Amounts given include contingency.

Sample 1 (grey) is made with Woolly Mammoth Fibre Co. Hearth DK in the shade ‘Moss’.
Sample 2 (chartreuse/green) is made with John Arbon Appledore DK in the shade ‘Golden Knob’.

Difficulty 
Intermediate 

Techniques 
Working Flat
Working in the round
Judys Magic Cast On or Mattress Stitch seaming
Short Rows (West Knits Shortcut Rows method)
Increasing/Decreasing
Picking up stitches
1x1 Rib
Double knit button band