Sterntaucher by Kate Davies Designs

Sterntaucher

Knitting
November 2020
yarn held together
DK
+ DK
= Bulky (7 wpi) ?
14 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette / colourwork
US 10½ - 6.5 mm
2625 - 2953 yards (2400 - 2700 m)
Finished hip circumference: 132 (162.5, 193) cm / 52 (64, 76) in
English
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A kit to knit this pattern is available from the KDD shop

Sterntaucher
This design was inspired by the combination of matt grey feathers with stunningly bright markings characteristic of red throated divers (known in many parts of Scotland as rain geese). Our tech editor, Frauke Urban, informed me that the German name of this beautiful bird is Sterntaucher - star diver - a fitting name for this star-patterned cardigan! With deep colourful pockets contrasting with a simple grey body, this design is my homage to this appealing and distinctive seabird.

Yarn
Kate Davies Designs Schiehallion (100% wool: 70% Corriedale, 30% Cheviot; 110m/120yds per 50g skein)
A Eileen: 15 (16, 17) x 50g skeins
B Crowdie: 4 (4, 5) x 50g skeins
C Alto: 1 (1, 1) x 50 g skeins
D Doris: 1 (1, 1) x 50 g skeins
E Mooring: 1 (1, 1) x 50 g skeins
F Rhubarb: 1 (1, 1) x 50 g skeins
G Daunder: 1 (1, 1) x 50 g skeins

Needles and Notions
Gauge-size and below gauge-size circular needles of appropriate lengths for working body, yoke, and neckline
Gauge-size and below gauge-size needle(s) of your preferred type for working small circumferences
Stitch markers
Waste yarn for holding stitches
Tapestry needle

Gauge
14 sts and 18 rounds to 10cm / 4in over colourwork pattern and stockinette in the round using gauge-size needle with yarn held double. Use 6.5 mm needle as a starting point for swatching.

Sizes
Finished hip circumference: 132 (162.5, 193) cm / 52 (64, 76) in
This is an oversized garment with a roomy, easy fit. Select the size above your actual measurements with the amount of ease required. Shown in the first size.

Pattern notes
This oversized cardigan begins by knitting two pocket flaps. The cardigan is then cast on and joined for working in the round, with a steek; and a deep and dramatic colourwork band is worked, before joining the two pocket flaps to the top of the band, and binding off the front steek stitches to continue working the remainder of the garment back and forth. Armscyes are shaped, then fronts and back are divided to be worked separately, shaping the front neck with decreases and the shoulders with short rows. The shoulders are joined and a ribbed band is picked up around the front openings and neck, and two sleeves are picked up around the scye openings and worked top down. The pockets are stitched in place and i-cord completes the pocket tops. Note that yarn is held double throughout.