Timepiece Cardigan
When researching the history of knitwear, I notice time and again the parallels with the history of horology - which has long been one of my interests.
This link is not coincidental. At the turn of the 20th Century, the ways in which the average person would spend their time began to change categorically, with sport and leisure activities gaining prominence. It was in response to these changes that both the watchmaking and the knitwear industries evolved over the following decades.
Inspired by this shared history, the Timepiece Cardigan is a time-traveller. The versatile design blends 20th Century references - from the tennis cardigans of the 1920s to Kurt Cobain’s infamous MTV Unplugged sweater - whilst offering a contemporary silhouette that plants it firmly in the present time. It is in equal measure a nod to the dawn of the cardigan, and a stipulation about its future.
Featuring integrated vertical edgings and optional flip-pockets, the Timepiece Cardigan is worked entirely in one piece, with minimum finishing required. The pockets can be made either top- or side-loading, and are easy to alter from one style to the other if you change your mind. For the classic tennis sweater look, contrasting stripes can be added along the vertical edgings using a simple crochet technique.
Endlessly adaptable to your personal style, this century-hopping pattern will delight with its engaging construction and versatility.
Note that this pattern includes two separate sets of instructions: for Aran-weight yarn and for DK-weight yarn.
When researching the history of knitwear, I notice time and again the parallels with the history of horology - which has long been one of my interests.
This link is not coincidental. At the turn of the 20th Century, the ways in which the average person would spend their time began to change categorically, with sport and leisure activities gaining prominence. It was in response to these changes that both the watchmaking and the knitwear industries evolved over the following decades.
Inspired by this shared history, the Timepiece Cardigan is a time-traveller. The versatile design blends 20th Century references - from the tennis cardigans of the 1920s to Kurt Cobain’s infamous MTV Unplugged sweater - whilst offering a contemporary silhouette that plants it firmly in the present time. It is in equal measure a nod to the dawn of the cardigan, and a stipulation about its future.
Featuring integrated vertical edgings and optional flip-pockets, the Timepiece Cardigan is worked entirely in one piece, with minimum finishing required. The pockets can be made either top- or side-loading, and are easy to alter from one style to the other if you change your mind. For the classic tennis sweater look, contrasting stripes can be added along the vertical edgings using a simple crochet technique.
Endlessly adaptable to your personal style, this century-hopping pattern will delight with its engaging construction and versatility.
Note that this pattern includes two separate sets of instructions: for Aran-weight yarn and for DK-weight yarn.
When researching the history of knitwear, I notice time and again the parallels with the history of horology - which has long been one of my interests.
This link is not coincidental. At the turn of the 20th Century, the ways in which the average person would spend their time began to change categorically, with sport and leisure activities gaining prominence. It was in response to these changes that both the watchmaking and the knitwear industries evolved over the following decades.
Inspired by this shared history, the Timepiece Cardigan is a time-traveller. The versatile design blends 20th Century references - from the tennis cardigans of the 1920s to Kurt Cobain’s infamous MTV Unplugged sweater - whilst offering a contemporary silhouette that plants it firmly in the present time. It is in equal measure a nod to the dawn of the cardigan, and a stipulation about its future.
Featuring integrated vertical edgings and optional flip-pockets, the Timepiece Cardigan is worked entirely in one piece, with minimum finishing required. The pockets can be made either top- or side-loading, and are easy to alter from one style to the other if you change your mind. For the classic tennis sweater look, contrasting stripes can be added along the vertical edgings using a simple crochet technique.
Endlessly adaptable to your personal style, this century-hopping pattern will delight with its engaging construction and versatility.
Note that this pattern includes two separate sets of instructions: for Aran-weight yarn and for DK-weight yarn.
MATERIALS & INFORMATION
SIZE 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Finished garment measures as follows around chest-
90cm/ 36” (100cm/40”, 110cm/ 44”, 120cm/ 48”, 130cm/ 52”, 140cm/ 56”, 150cm/ 60”, 160cm/ 64”)
Instructions for working half-sizes are provided.
Pattern includes schematic with detailed measurements.
FIT
Recommended to be worn with approximately 10cm/ 4” of ease.
Options for several Bodice-shaping options are provided.
Note this pattern is suitable for men. When working Bodice, choose either the straight or the tapering option, depending on physique. And add to the length of Bodice and Sleeves as needed (being aware that this will require additional yarn!)
YARN
DK-weight version:
suitable for yarns approx 220-280m/ 240-300y per 100g/ 3.5oz
project requires…
4.5 (5, 6, 6, 6.5, 7, 7) 100g/3.5oz skeins for cropped length
5 (5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7) 100g/3.5oz skeins for full length
Aran-weight version:
suitable for yarns, approx 160-190m/ 175-205y per 100g/ 3.5oz
project requires…
5 (5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7) 100g/3.5oz skeins for cropped length
5.5 (6, 6.5, 7, 7, 7.5, 8, 8) 100g/3.5oz skeins for full length
Note that for optional ‘tennis stripes,’ scrap amounts of yarn in contrast colour(s) will be required.
GAUGE
DK-weight version:
21 sts x 28 rows = 10cm x 10cm in stockinette for main fabric
Aran-weight version:
18 sts x 24 rows = 10cm x 10cm in stockinette for main fabric
Pattern includes instructions for slightly modifying gauge, so that an overall range of 17sts - 22sts per 10cm is possible, to accommodate various yarn preferences.
NEEDLES
DK-Weight version:
circular needle, 3.5mm (US 4) in diameter,
Aran-weight version:
circular needle, 4.5mm (US 7) in diameter,
…or as needed to meet gauge for main fabric
NOTIONS
removable stitch markers, measuring tape, scrap yarn,
tapestry needle, 5-6 buttons; optional (for ‘tennis stripes’): crochet hook
SPECIAL TECHNIQUES
provisional cast-on, picking up sts from selvage edge,
basic hand-stitching (for attaching pockets);
optional (for ‘tennis stripes’): basic crochet chain
MORE…
If you’d like to read more about this design and the inspiration behind it, I have written about it on my website.