I this blog post, I'm going to finally explain how to knit the cardigans from my books. I'll be focusing on the Alasuq cardigan, but the method is exactly the same for all my cardigan designs.
I must point out that there are many different ways to make a cardigan, both in terms of method and button bands. Here, I'll show the method I use. If you want to use a different method, feel free to do so 😀 ❤️
If you're a beginner, I recommend reading my blog post on how to knit a top-down sweater first ❤️
You can find the pattern for the Alasuq cardigan in my book Wilderness Sweaters Vol. 2.
I apologize in advance for the poor lighting in the photos. I live in a house built in 1939, and the windows back then weren't very large.
Steek Stitch
You start by knitting the ribbing back and forth, and once that's done, you'll create the steek stitches. Here, you cast on stitches by making loops across the row. I usually knit the steek stitches in purl to make them easier to distinguish, but if you prefer to knit them in garter stitch, that's perfectly fine too.
When transitioning from a knit stitch to a purl stitch, it can become a bit loose, so make sure to tighten it slightly. In patterned sections, I usually twist the unused yarns before and after knitting the purl stitches to carry all the yarns to the next round.
When you finish knitting the cardigan – remember to bind off the steek stitches before you start on the neckband.
Yarns
I usually pull all the yarns forward in the steek so I don't have to weave in a million ends. I usually wash the cardigan and let it dry before sewing so that I can shape it while it's wet.
Time for the sewing machine
All you need to know is how to sew forwards and backwards, and you don't need any special sewing skills. If you're only going to knit this one cardigan, there's no point in buying your own sewing machine if you don't already have one, but it's a very good investment if you plan to knit cardigans and sweaters with set-in sleeves in the future. A sewing machine opens up a whole new world of garments you can make for loved ones ❤️
You need to sew two seams on each side of the steek. I usually sew twice with a straight stitch. I use a straight stitch because I like to cut open before I knit the button bands, and therefore I want as much hold as possible.
Cut between the seams
Pick up stitches
Bind off
I usually bind off with a 6 mm needle to make the button band nice and elastic.
Pick up stitches for the facing
Trim excess threads
Sew in facing with loose stitches
Now you pick up stitches in the same way as the first button band, but this time you will also evenly space buttonholes. I have used threads to mark where my buttonholes should be.
How to knit buttonholes
The buttons I've specified in the pattern are 25 mm, but here I'm using 22 mm. When using 25 mm buttons, the buttonholes will be a little tight the first few times you wear the cardigan, but they will quickly stretch out.
Sew on buttons
Voila! Your cardigan is now finished 😀
