BALAN
Like a nimble flock of shore birds, buoyant bobbles cluster amid slanting ropes of cables on the Balan cardigan. The easy drop-shoulder silhouette equally invites lingering at lazy riverside picnics and exploring waterfront weekend markets — airy woolen-spun Shelter provides a lightweight layer against errant breezes. Choose a jaunty cropped style or craft a hip-length version with pockets to tuck away the little treasures that you find on your adventures.
FINISHED SIZES
Sizes 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9): 41½ (44¾, 49¼, 53¼, 56½) (61¼, 64½, 68½, 73¼) [105.5 (113.5, 125, 135.5, 143.5) (155.5, 164, 174, 186) cm] circumference at chest (with fronts overlapping by 1½”/4 cm)
Version I sample shown is size 2, cropped with 10½-12½”/26.5-32 cm positive ease on models
Version II sample shown in size 1, hip length with 5½"/14 cm positive ease on model
MATERIALS
For Version I (cropped length):
1650 (1790, 1900, 1960, 2085) (2290, 2380, 2510, 2615) yards [1509 (1637, 1737, 1792, 1907) (2094, 2176, 2295, 2391) meters] of worsted weight wool yarn
12 (13, 14, 14, 15) (17, 17, 18, 19) skeins of Brooklyn Tweed Shelter (100% American Targhee-Columbia Wool; 140 yards/50 grams); note: The 4th, 5th, 7th, and 8th sizes use almost exactly 14, 15, 17, and 18 skeins, respectively. You may wish to consider purchasing an additional skein due to variations in individual work.
Version I sample photographed in color Fossil
For Version II (hip length, with pockets):
2055 (2215, 2350, 2445, 2575) (2800, 2940, 3080, 3220) yards [1879 (2025, 2149, 2236, 2355) (2560, 2688, 2816, 2944) meters] of worsted weight wool yarn
15 (16, 17, 18, 19) (20, 21, 22, 23) skeins of Brooklyn Tweed Shelter (100% American Targhee-Columbia Wool; 140 yards/50 grams); note: The 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th sizes use almost exactly 20, 21, 22, and 23 skeins, respectively. You may wish to consider purchasing an additional skein due to variations in individual work.
Version II sample photographed in color Snowbound
GAUGE
19 stitches & 29 rows = 4" / 10 cm in reverse stockinette stitch with Size A needle(s), after blocking
18½ stitches & 38 rows = 4” / 10 cm in garter stitch with Size A needle(s), after blocking
One 29-stitch panel from Bobble Panel measures 5¼”/13.5 cm wide with Size A needle(s), after blocking
SUGGESTED NEEDLES
Size A (for Main Fabric)
One pair of straight needles or a 32"/80 cm circular needle* in size needed to obtain gauge listed
Suggested Size: 4mm (US 6)
Size B (for Collar and Pocket Edgings)
One 32”/80 cm circular needle, one size smaller than Size A
Suggested Size: 3.75 mm (US 5)
*Knitter’s preferred style of needle may be used
SPECIAL TECHNIQUES
Note: Complete instructions are provided within the pattern for the following techniques.
Garter Stitch Bobbles, Sloped Bind Off, German Short Rows
PATTERN STYLE
Instructions for cabled stitch patterns are provided in both charted and written form.
NOTES
This garment is worked flat in pieces from the bottom up, then sewn together. Sizes 3–9 have a modified drop-shoulder silhouette with some underarm shaping, while Sizes 1 and 2 have a more typical drop-shoulder shape. The front bands and collar are worked from stitches picked up along the neckline edge and are shaped with Short Rows: German Method. The pattern includes two versions — a cropped version (Version I) and a hip-length version with pockets (Version II). Unless specified for a single version, pattern instructions apply to both versions. Version II has interior pocket linings that are knit separately and then joined to the upper fronts. Ribbed pocket edgings are worked from held live stitches below the pocket opening.
WHERE TO BUY
Balan can be purchased on Brooklyn Tweed’s website via the “Buy Pattern” button above, as well as on Ravelry.
BALAN was originally published as part of Brooklyn Tweed’s ‘Water’s Edge’ collection.
Photographs by Jared Flood, courtesy of Brooklyn Tweed.