The inspiration for the Skift Cardigan truly emerged from the light, lofty yarn it’s made of. I was smitten from the moment I was introduced to Rico Design’s Madly in Love… you might say I fell madly in love with the yarn! I immediately imagined myself wrapped in layers of fabric created from the yarn and felt excited about the approaching autumn and winter days ahead. As I began swatching, I loved how light and airy the fabric felt, and wanted to see how it would feel in cabled fabric. Visions of an oversized scarf or long, roomy cardigan filled my mind. I wanted to design something that felt as comforting as reading a book at the hearth of a fireplace… a piece I would turn to over and over when mist coats the winter sky, or snow falls quietly and gently outside. Before I knew it, the concept for the Skift Cardigan came to life.

My goal for this piece was to create something that felt mindful to knit – deceptively simple yet engaging. A cable motif, inspired by the work of cable master and designer Annie Maloney, decorates the center back and sleeves. Surrounding these more intricate motifs are basic columns of 2-stitch cables that feel as rhythmic and easy as ribbing. The elongated, duster length combined with the deep shawl collar makes the silhouette elegant enough for an outing, yet cozy enough for the comfort of your home.

I ended up loving it so much, that I couldn’t resist making my dog, George, a Skift of his own, so be sure to check out the coordinating pattern for pups!

Spotted this one first? The dog version is available for you as well!

SIZE
Women’s XXS (XS, S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
shown in Small size, modeled with 7 inches / 18 cm ease

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest circumference at underarm (with fronts overlapping):
34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70) inches / 86.5 (96.5, 106.5, 117, 127, 137, 147.5, 157.5, 167.5, 178) cm
Length from Shoulder: 30.75 (31.25, 31.75, 32.25, 33, 33.75, 34.5, 35.75, 36.25, 36.75) inches / 78 (79.5, 80.5, 82, 84, 86, 87.5, 91, 92, 93.5) cm

MATERIALS
Yarn
Rico Design Madly in Love Luxury Baby Alpaca & Merino Chunky (70% alpaca, 23% polyamide, 7% wool; 142 yds/130 m per 1.75 oz/50g ball);
007 Lilac: 9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20) balls

Yarn Characteristics
spacer Madly in Love Luxury Baby Alpaca & Merino Chunky features a tubular construction with fibers blown into its core, creating fabrics that are lofty and featherweight with surprising stitch definition. If choosing to substitute another yarn for this project, it is highly recommended to choose a yarn with a similar construction. Although a plied yarn will yield beautiful results in the stitch patterns, the resulting fabric will be heavier and denser. An airy, lightweight woollen-spun yarn may be a suitable alternative.

Recommended needle size
always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter’s gauge is unique
1 US #10/6mm 32-40” circular and set of DPNs (or your preferred needle for knitting small circumferences in the round)
1 US #9/5.5mm 16”, 32-40” circular and set of DPNs (or your preferred needle for knitting small circumferences in the round)

Notions
stitch markers
removable stitch markers
cable needle
stitch holders or waste yarn
yarn needle

GAUGE
16 sts x 24 rows/rnds = 4 inches/10 cm in Left or Right Twist pattern with larger needles

PATTERN NOTES
This relaxed, boxy sweater features a beautiful central cable pattern with micro cables framing it along the sides. It begins at the back neck and is increased to the fullest width, worked to the underarms, and stitches are put on hold. Then, stitches are picked up along the increased edge for the shoulders and worked flat, separately, to create the fronts. Once the armhole depth is achieved, the fronts and back are joined and the remainder of the body is knit seamlessly. Eyelets are positioned to create a space for belt loops, and shaping is included to accommodate the hips. Stitches are picked up from around the front edge and worked flat with short row shaping for a deep shawl collar. Stitches for the sleeves are picked up from the armholes and worked seamlessly in the round from the top down.