Have you ever had a hand-knit you keep pulling out when you want that extra layer of cosy?

This is what the Chroi cardigan has become for me this winter!

It started life as a redesign of an older pattern and then it took on a whole new life of its own! This cardigan began as an aran weight version of a shawl collar cardigan I had designed in a super chunky weight yarn. However, as I began the design process, it began to grow a new life of its own thanks to asking ‘What If….’

What if we added a second long version?

What if we added a belt for this long version?

What if we add some optional pockets?

What if we made the shawl collar EXTRA wide so it could be folded double?

And so the Chroi cardigan was born. This cardigan really leans into all those options. In this pattern, you can pick the version that works best for you.

This cardigan is knit in one piece from the top down with raglan shoulder shaping. It’s designed with a deep raglan depth and upper arms so that it can comfortably be worn as an outer layer.

The front garter stitch collar is knit at the end and fills in the entire front of the cardigan. In fact, as you knit the body, it’ll look very small! This is because the front of the cardigan has not yet been knit. You will be working garter stitch all the way around the front, using German Short Rows to shape the back of the neck. These short rows are very deep, which means that the cardigan can be worn with a very wide generous collar or double folded to create a cosy neck wrap. I love wearing it this way as it’s super warm!

The yarn I’ve used for this cardigan is our Stolen Stitches ‘Deas’ colour in our new Lime colour. The blend of merino and mohair in this aran weight, woollen spun yarn makes it very speedy to knit and as light as air to wear. I’m already planning a second version. I’m thinking perhaps the bright Jade colour would be stunning?

Chroi Pattern Details

SIZES

To Fit Actual Bust Circumference Up To: 31 (33.75, 36.5, 40.25, 43.25, 46, 48.75, 51.5, 55.5, 58.25)” / 78.5 (85.5, 92.5, 102, 110, 117, 124, 131, 141, 148) cm

2-4” / 5-10 cm of positive ease are recommended.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Bust Circumference: 33 (35.75, 38.5, 42.25, 45.25, 48, 50.75, 53.5, 57.5, 60.25)” / 83.5 (91, 98, 107.5, 115, 122, 129, 136, 146, 153) cm, with front bands buttoned with 2” / 5 cm overlap.

Size 38.5” / 98 cm modelled with 3.5”/ 9 cm positive ease.

Length from Back of Neck: 21.75 (22.75, 23, 23.75, 24, 24.75, 25, 25.75, 26, 26.75)” / 55 (58, 58.5, 60.5, 61, 63, 63.5, 65.5, 66, 68) cm short version

25.75 (26.75, 27, 27.75, 28, 28.75, 29, 29.75, 30, 30.75) / 65.5 (68, 68.5, 70.5, 71, 73, 73.5, 75.5, 76, 78) cm long version

YARN

Stolen Stitches ‘Deas’ (86% Merino Wool, 14% Mohair; 202 yds / 185 m per 3.6 oz / 100 g); colour: Lime, 5 (6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 8, 9) skeins for short version with pockets

7 (7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 11) skeins for long belted version with pockets

54 yds / 49 m are used for pockets (included)

Approx yardage: 979 (1058, 1143, 1228, 1299, 1377, 1441, 1528, 1586, 1685) yds / 897 (969, 1047, 1125, 1190, 1261, 1320, 1400, 1453, 1543) m short version includes pockets

1222 (1322, 1420, 1534, 1621, 1716, 1800, 1903, 1985, 2102) yds / 1120 (1211, 1300, 1405, 1485, 1572, 1649, 1743, 1818, 1925) m long version, includes belt and pockets

NEEDLES & NOTIONS

US size 8 / 5mm circular needles, 32”/ 80 cm long or longer for larger sizes for body

Plus US size 8 / 5 mm dpns if Magic Loop not used for sleeves

US size 7 / 4.5 mm circular needles, 32”/ 80 cm long or longer for larger sizes for edging

Plus US size 7 / 4.5 mm dpns if Magic Loop not used for sleeve cuff

Always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed, every knitter’s gauge is unique.

Stitch markers, 2 lockable stitch markers, waste yarn or barber cord, tapestry needle, 4 (6) toggle buttons; size used 15mm x 38mm (0.5” x 1.5”).

GAUGE

17 sts & 24 rows / rnds = 4″ / 10 cm in St St with larger needles

17 sts & 32 rows / rnds = 4″ / 10 cm in Garter Stitch with smaller needles

Community Knit Through

Last year we had so much fun with our Yew Mor Knit Through, we are going to do it all again with our Chroi cardigan.

So for the month of December, we are going to be knitting through this pattern over on YouTube. This is more relaxed than our knit-alongs. It’s just you, me, Magali and some relaxed seasonal knitting. Each week we will talk through a section of the pattern so you can ask questions, pick up some tips and modification ideas and we will slowly wind down into the holiday season with a cosy cardigan on our needles.

So if you’d like to join us, pick up a Chroi pattern and/or yarn kit from October 24th and we will see you then!

Link Live on October 24th