Colorwork can be intimidating, but you won’t find an easier way to get your feet wet in the technique than stripes on a flat-knit piece. You are only ever working one color at a time, and the color changes all happen at the ends of the rows, so there are no awkward joins to concern you.

This cardigan is worked entirely in stockinette stitch, with the exception of the neck, cuffs, and hem, which are all a simple ribbing pattern, and the button band, which is garter stitch. All of these stitch patterns are simply a straightforward combination of knits and purls. If you are able to knit and purl, you can make this sweater.

Consider a more subtle, earthy color scheme in beige and brown, or get bold! Use cream for the body, royal blue for the stripes and tomato red for the rest of the trim! The possibilities abound.

REQUIRED SKILLS

The project is geared towards motivated beginners. If you have these skills:

Long-tail and backwards loop cast-ons
Knit and Purl
Increasing and decreasing
Picking up stitches
Basic bind-off
then you can do this.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

1000-1400 yards worsted-weight wool or wool blend, like Cascade 220
One set of 5 US #7 double point needles.
One US #7 (4.5mm) 32” or larger circular needle.
One US G (4mm) crochet hook.
yarn needle
scissors
stitch markers