archetype
Archetype is my platonic ideal of a cardigan—a deep shawl collar, cozy cuffed sleeves, inset pockets, and cables for days. Knit flat from the bottom up and seamed, Archetype’s construction is straightforward enough to let those glorious cables take center stage. The sleeves, fronts and back feature deceptively elaborate-looking cable panels, culminating in paired cable motifs that branch out across the back and shoulders to reveal a graphic wedge of 2x2 ribbing at the center. Thoughtful design details and elevated finishing techniques ensure Archetype will become a treasured wardrobe staple for years to come.
FINISHED DIMENSIONS
Sizes 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) {7, 8, 9, 10}: 36½ (40½, 45, 49, 53¼, 56¼) {60¼, 64¼, 68½, 72½} inches [92.5 (103, 114.5, 124.5, 135.5, 143) {153, 163, 174, 184} cm] finished garment circumference at chest (buttoned)
Suggested Ease: + 6-8" [15-20.5 cm]
Pattern includes a detailed schematic (included in photos, at left), with finished garment measurements given in both imperial and metric units. Sample shown is size 4, worn by Emily with ~7" [18 cm] of positive ease.
MATERIALS
1400 (1560, 1685, 1800, 1980, 2110) {2200, 2400, 2560, 2745} yards [1280 (1425, 1540, 1645, 1810, 1930) {2010, 2195, 2340, 2510} meters] of worsted weight yarn needed
Samples shown in Peace Fleece Worsted Weight (75% Navajo Rambouillet & Domestic Fine Wool, 25% Mohair); 200 yards [183 meters]/113 grams), in colorway ‘Palomino’; requires 7 (8, 9, 9, 10, 11) {11, 12, 13, 14} skeins.
GAUGE
15.5 stitches & 25 rows = 4" [10 cm] in stockinette stitch, worked flat with Size A needle(s), after blocking
23.5 stitches & 25 rows = 4" [10 cm] in cable pattern (Chart B), worked flat with Size A needle(s), after blocking
22 stitches & 26.5 rows = 4" [10 cm] in 2x2 ribbing, worked flat with Size B needle(s), after blocking
One 38-stitch wide repeat of Chart B measures approximately 6 ½" [16.5 cm] wide, after blocking
SUGGESTED NEEDLES
Size A (for Main Fabric)
One 40" [90 cm] (minimum) circular needle in size needed to obtain gauge listed
Suggested Size: US 7 [4.5 mm]
Size B (for Ribbing, Button Bands & Collar)
One 36" [90 cm] circular needle, one size smaller than Size A
Suggested Size: US 6 [4.0 mm]
NOTIONS
Five 1" [2.5 cm] diameter buttons, stitch markers, removable stitch markers, waste yarn, blunt tapestry needle, blocking wires & T-pins (optional), crochet hook (optional, for picking up pocket trim stitches)
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate: Skills required for this pattern include casting on, increasing and decreasing, picking up stitches, binding off, seaming, and cable knitting. Instructions are provided for special techniques used, including 4-Stitch One-Row Buttonhole, German Short Rows, Cable Cast On, and Three-Needle Bind Off.
CONSTRUCTION NOTES
Cardigan is knit from the bottom up in pieces and seamed. Button bands and shawl collar are knit vertically and seamed to cardigan fronts and neckline edges. Each side of shawl collar is shaped using German Short Rows and joined at the center back with an exposed Three-Needle Bind Off.
Instructions are included for placing buttonholes on either the Left or Right Front Band, so that you can easily choose the placement you prefer. Sample garment is shown with buttons on the Left Front and buttonholes on the Right Front.
PATTERN STYLE
Instructions for stitch patterns are provided in both charted and written form.
WHERE TO BUY
Archetype can be purchased directly (via Payhip) using the “Buy Pattern” button above, as well as on Ravelry and Lovecrafts. You can preview this pattern in full before purchasing via the button below.