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This version of the Squam Cardi pattern is written to be worked in the round and steeked to create a cardigan. Looking for the knit-flat version? You’ll find it here.

Worked from the top down, this cardigan—like the Squam Sweater—has shoulder shaping that’s a bit more anatomical than a classic circular yoke sweater, and clever underarm gussets that greatly increase mobility.

Simple slip-stitch patterns provide the opportunity to experiment with color without the need to manage multiple strands at the same time—since only one color is worked per round.

The Squam Cardi is a thoroughly customizable design, with loads of options for knitting it just the way you want. To help you achieve your perfect fit, an extensive ‘Notes’ file is included that provides tons of suggestions for customizing the Cardi to suit your own shape, style, or stash, as well as alternate instructions for knitting it with a crew neckline.

Finished garment circumference at bust
(28½, 31¾, 34½, 37¾) (40½, 43¾, 47½, 50¾) (54¼, 57¼, 60½, 63¼)"
[72.5, 81, 87.5, 96] [103, 111.5, 120.5, 129] [137.5, 145, 153.5, 160.5] cm

Suggested ease
+ 2 to 6" [+ 5 to 15 cm] at full bust,
+ 1 to 2½" [+ 2.5 to 6.5 cm] at biceps
Sample shown in size 5, worn with 4" [10 cm] of positive
ease at full bust, 3" [7.5 cm] at biceps.

Yarn
De Rerum Natura Ulysse, 100% Merino wool,
202 yd [185 m] per 50 g skein; sport-weight yarn.

MAIN COLOR
4, 5, 5, 6)(6, 6, 7, 7)(8, 8, 9, 9) skeins; or
(785, 860, 900, 1035)(1085, 1185, 1290, 1355)(1520, 1610, 1715, 1810) yd
[720, 785, 825, 950][995, 1080, 1180, 1240][1390, 1470, 1570, 1655] m

of a sport-weight yarn, and

CONTRAST COLORS
(85, 90, 95, 110)(115, 125, 135, 145)(160, 170, 185, 190) yd
[75, 85, 90, 100][105, 115, 125, 130][150, 155, 165, 175] m
each of three colors of a sport-weight yarn.

Colors used in pattern sample are:
MC: Cyprès
CC 1: Lagon
CC 2: Sauge
CC 3: Genêt

Gauge
24 sts and 42 rows = 4" [10 cm] on Size A needles,
in combined slip-stitch and stockinette yoke patterns,
after washing and blocking.

Video tutorials
• Steeking techniques for the Squam Cardi
• Stip-stitch broken rib buttonholes

Steeking vs knitting flat
Working the Squam Cardi with a steek gives you the ability to knit the design in the round, plus there is no need to weave in contrast color ends on the body (you will still need to weave them in on the sleeves). If you are a knitter who tends to knit more loosely on wrong side rows, your tension and gauge will likely be more even when working in the round. Cutting the steek is not difficult at all, but there is a little additional finishing work on the inside of the cardi to neaten up the edges of the steek once the bands have been knit.

Knitting the cardi flat means that you will be knitting and purling for the body of the cardi—though the sleeves are knit in the round. There is no reinforcing of any steek stitches, and no neatening of steek edges, but all of the contrast color ends from the body will need to be woven in after working the front bands.

If you are up for a small knitting adventure, I highly recommend giving steeking a try!