Being outside at all times of year is a must for me and lately I’ve found myself grabbing those sweaters that are just a tiny bit slouchy, that fit easily over my button-up shirts, and offer that extra bit of coziness. And I’ve been craving a sweater that’s both basic and extravagant, one that will feel like a neutral while still satisfying my knitter’s need to add a little spice. Squish is your archetypal cabled cardigan designed for layering both on fancy cold-weather occasions and just for everyday chores. Wear it under overalls in the garden or over linen for a coffee date.

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Sizes & Finished Dimensions

Sizes: A(B, C, D, E) (F, G, H, I) (J, K, L, M)

Chest Circumference Including Overlapping Bands:

35(37.5, 39.25, 42.25, 44.75) (48.75, 51.5, 55, 57.5) (60.5, 64.5, 65.25, 68.5) in/ 89(95.5, 99.5, 107.5, 113.5) (124, 131, 139.5, 146) (153.5, 164, 165.5, 174) cm

Intended to be worn with +1-6 in/2.5-15 cm of positive ease.

Shown in size B with about 5 in/13 cm of positive ease (white) and in size E (brown) with about zero ease.

Yarn

Worsted weight yarn:

1131(1214, 1309, 1617, 1697) (1833, 1940, 2129, 2227) (2368, 2564, 2689, 2800) yd/ 1034(1110, 1197, 1479, 1552) (1676, 1774, 1947, 2036) (2165, 2345, 2459, 2560) m

White size B sample shown in Harrisville Designs Highland (100% wool; 200 yd/183 m per 100g skein):

6(7, 7, 9, 9) (10, 10, 11, 12) (12, 13, 14, 14) skeins; Colour: White

Brown size E sample shown in Hudson & West Forge (70% U.S. Merino, 30% U.S. Corriedale; 235 yd/215 m per 100g skein):

5(6, 6, 7, 8) (8, 9, 10, 10) (11, 11, 12, 12) skeins; Colour: Camel

Blocked Gauge

Gauge measurement should be taken after blocking.

28 stitches/26 rows = 4 in/10 cm in cable pattern with larger needle

One 40-stitch cable motif measures about 5.75 in/14.5 cm wide at widest point with larger needle

18 stitches/28 rows = 4 in/10 cm in Stockinette stitch with larger needle

20 stitches/37 rows = 4 in/10 cm in garter stitch with smaller needle

Needles & Notions

Adjust needle sizes if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

Suggested size US 7/4.5 mm needles:

• Fronts and Sleeves: Your choice of circular or straight needles

• Back: 24 in/60 cm or longer circular needle

Suggested size US 6/4 mm needles:

• Shawl Collar, Button Band, and Buttonhole Band: 40 in/100 cm or longer circular needle

Notions:

• cable needle (optional)
• stitch markers, including 5 removable markers, 2 of which should be stainless since they will be in place during blocking
• tapestry needle
• blocking pins and pinnable surface
• five .75 in/2 cm buttons
• needle and thread for sewing on buttons

Skills

I consider this pattern to be advanced level knitting. It includes working cables using charted or written instructions, shaping in pattern, sewing pieces together with mattress stitch, picking up stitches, and working buttonholes.

Helpful Tutorials

• 6 steps to choosing the right yarn

• Measuring gauge on cables

• Cabling without a cable needle

• Machine sewing buttons

• Seaming using mattress stitch