A topography of shadow cables is knit as a flat rectangle and folded, then two short seams form this cocoon cardigan. Short rows shape the wide ribbed edging, creating a warm and dramatic shawl collar that hugs all the right places; an elegant applied I-cord neatly finishes the edges and cuffs.

Construction: Shadowling is cast on provisionally and worked as a flat rectangle to the final body row, which is left live. The piece is folded horizontally and seamed, leaving armhole openings; stitches are picked up around the openings and worked in the round for long ribbed cuffs, and finished with applied I-cord. CO and final row stitches are then worked in the round in rib with short rows to shape the shawl collar, and the long edge also finished with applied I-cord. Instructions are written for the German short row method, but your preferred method may be substituted.

Techniques & Skills Used: provisional CO, cable CO, knit/purl, cables, short rows, working in the round, applied I-cord; stitch pattern is both written and charted, with a link to my short row and I-cord tutorials included.

Size: S (M, L); 28.5 (31, 33.5”) measured at crossback. Sample shown in size S on a 35” bust, and this garment fits many bodies; see Designer’s Notes for an extensive discussion for modifying the fit.

Yarn: Rowan Cocoon (80% merino wool, 20% kid mohair; 126 yards/115m/100g), shown in Cloud; 6 (7, 8) skeins, or approximately 650 (775, 925) yards of bulky weight wool/mohair blend yarn; a fiber blend that blocks to a soft and drapey fabric is recommended to achieve the silhouette and ease of this cocoon-shaped garment.

Other Materials: US 11 (8mm) 32” circular needle or size to match gauge; US 11 (8mm) 60” circular needle for ribbed edge; Stitch markers (1); Cable needle; Yarn needle.

Gauge: 15 st and 20 rows/4” in Shadow cable pattern; 14 st and 18 rows/4” in K1P1 Rib, after blocking.

Thank you to my wonderful tech editor Kate Vanover.