West Coast Cardigan

Knit from the top down in one piece, the West Coast cardigan features raglan shaping, flattering set-in pockets, a generous shawl collar, and a zipper closure. Bands of stranded colourwork knit up quickly using Briggs and Little Country Roving—a 5 strand lightweight pencil roving that creates a surprisingly lofty fabric. Extensive charts are accompanied by written instructions, schematics, and helpful links to guide you along the way. Instructions are provided in an easy to follow fill-in-the-blank format.

The West Coast Cardigan was inspired, in respectful admiration, by the Cowichan Sweaters that are abundant on Vancouver Island and are a tradition of the Coast Salish people. This sweater is not a real Cowichan sweater, only inspired by this traditional style.

BONUS: Feeling creative? Use this pattern as a jumping off point into your own custom colourwork adventure by using the bonus blank charts provided with this pattern!

Yarn
Briggs and Little Country Roving
100% wool, 155yds/142m per 227g/8oz cake
OR other super bulky weight yarn
Sample shown in Medium Brown #27 (MC) and Black #16 (CC)

Yards Required (MC) 446 (483, 509, 530, 553, 589, 612, 653, 667, 737, 762)
Yards Required (CC) 177 (191, 201, 210, 219, 233, 242, 258, 264, 291, 301)

Meters Required (MC) 406 (440, 463, 482, 503, 536, 556, 594, 606, 670, 693)
Meters Required (CC) 161 (174, 183, 191, 199, 212, 220, 235, 240, 265, 274)

Needles
US 11 / 8mm circular needle, 40”
US 11 / 8mm dpns or long circ for magic loop
US 13 / 9mm circular needle, 40”
US 13 / 9mm dpns or long circ for magic loop

Notions
Stitch markers (4)
Waste yarn
Yarn needle
Separating zipper, 22in/55cm (or length to fit front opening)
Sewing needle, pins, and thread

Gauge
9 sts and 12 rows = 4”/10cm in pattern on larger needles (blocked)

Sizes
30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50)“
76 (81.5, 86.5, 91.5, 96.5, 101.5, 106.5, 112, 117, 122, 127) cm
shown in size 34

Finished Measurements
35 (38.75, 40.5, 42.25, 44, 45.75, 47.5, 49.25, 51, 54.75, 56.5)“ bust
89 (98.5, 103, 107.5, 112, 116, 120.5, 125, 129.5, 139, 143.5) cm bust

WEST COAST CARDIGAN / Helpful Posts

If you are thinking of casting on your own WCC, feel free to post in the knit-along thread here — although the official deadline has passed, it’s a great way to share your project with other WCC knitters.

It’s also become a wealth of information. I’ve compiled a list of all of the WCCKAL posts. Some of them break down the more involved portions of the pattern. They’re a great resource if you’re looking for more in depth instruction and visual tutorials!

WCCKAL POSTS :
Happy New Year / West Coast Cardigan KAL
Cast-On / West Coast Cardigan KAL
Yoke Knitting + Vancouver Visit
Pocket Knitting - Part 1
Pocket Knitting - Part 2
Pocket Knitting - Part 3
Sleeve Knitting - Working Inside Out
Collar Knitting - Step by Step
Pocket Linings
Finally Finished