A seamless top down cardigan with raglan shoulders and ‘A’ line hip shaping.

It is cast on at the top edge of the high collar which is knit in 2x2 rib. The front button band continues in 2x2 rib, and is worked at the same time as the body, eliminating the need to pick up stitches or any seaming.

The neckline is shaped with short rows and at the same time the texture and stripe patten is started.

The slip stitch pattern in the front of the cardigan has a tighter gauge than the stripe pattern in the back of the cardigan, so the hem slopes attractively down at the back.

Skills Needed:
Basic understanding of top down knitting
Knitting in the round and flat with circular needle and dpns or magic loop for sleeves
Increases (kfb,pfb). Decreases (k2tog, ssk, ssp)
The ability to work with multiple balls of yarn at the same time, this requires twisting of yarns to avoid holes in fabric - intarsia
Short row shaping. This pattern uses Japanese short rows, I suggest that you use these for the neck short rows as I have based the introduction of the colour work on them. But for the hem you can use any method.

Yarn and approx quantities:

Fingering Weight -
MC = 1200(1300,1400,1400,1500,1600) yds
CC = 360(400,440,480,520,560) yds

Needles:
I used the same needle size throughout. This gives a very slouchy, stretchy collar… You can choose to use a smaller size needle if you prefer a tighter fabric for the collar.

US 6 (4.00mm) For collar and body. (I used a circular needle)
Set of US 6 (4.00 mm) DPN for sleeves

or size to obtain gauge

Gauge (after washing/blocking):
Slip stitch pattern: 28sts / 40 rows in 4 inches
Stripe sequence (St St): 23sts / 36 rows in 4 inches

Sizes:
81(86,94,102,109,117) cm / 32(34,37,40,43,46) inches at bust
Garment measures 81(86,94,102,109,117) cm /
32(34,37,40,43,46) inches when closed

Garment in photo is size 34” with no ease at bust and 4 inches ease at hips

Ease:
0 - 2” positive ease at bust

Notions:
Stitch markers
Waste yarn, stitch holders, or spare needle for sleeve sts
Tapestry needle

Skill Level:
Intermediate