Thinking about trying colourwork for the first time?
Or maybe you’re ready to tackle steeking but want a bit of guidance along the way?
Either way, you’ve come to the right place.
The Daingean knit-along isn’t just another garment project. It’s an exploration of colour, structure, and skill. Here you’ll dive into rich stranded colourwork and discover the beauty of circular yoke construction, and, if you’re feeling bold, learn how to steek your knitting with confidence.
But don’t worry, you won’t be doing it alone.
With this KAL, you’ll have options for knitting a sweater or a cardigan, or both if you prefer and as always we have step-by-step video tutorials, a supportive community, and design variations that let you knit what suits you in both style and skill level. Can you tell we’ve put a lot of thought into our upcoming KAL?
But first you’re probably have some questions like: what inspired the design, what you’ll learn along the way, and how to join us for a project that’s equal parts technique, creativity, and connection.
Let’s take a closer look…
What Inspired the Daingean KAL?
Last November I returned to Barcelona to teach a colourwork class for the second time. In the first class (2 years ago) I talked a little about steeks and knitters were equal parts terrified and intrigued. So of course this year I decided to design a pair of fingerless mitts that had a steeked thumb.
I really enjoyed the combination of stitch patterns in these mitts which got me thinking about using them somewhere else, and the Daingean Sweater was born. This began first of all as a steeked cardigan, using a modified version of the mitt stitch pattern to create a colourwork yoke all the way around.
In this cardigan I began experimenting with the type of steek as well.
The steek I’ve used previously is a crochet steek that used single crochet which can be a little bulky. In this cardigan I’ve played with a slip stitch crochet chain that is much more streamlined but holds the stitches beautifully. In the workshop I’ve also given a demo of a felted steek option as well, just in case you’re curious and might want to try this steek instead.
I also wasn’t content to have just a cardigan option for this knit-along, I wanted to add in a sweater version as well. This, however, did require writing a second pattern as the stitches need to be set-up differently to work colourwork without a bridge.
But it also came with an upside!
Knitting a circular yoke colourwork sweater allowed us to show a short sleeved version and give a few different options for waist shaping as well. The cardigan version below shows gentle hourglass waist shaping and the sweater version is worked with no body shaping, but as always we have tips for modifications during the KAL.
Steeking, Colourwork, and Circular Yokes What You’ll Learn
For this knit-along you can pick which option you would like to knit, the cardigan or the sweater. Each version will come with a full set of video workshops that are released at the same time as each pattern clue. If you want to buy both just add them to your cart and there will be 50% automatically taken off the second pattern.
During this KAL, whether you choose the sweater or cardigan, we’ll work through the basis of stranded colourwork, creating circular yokes, sweater fit and modifications as well as top-down knitting. If you choose the cardigan we will also work through steeking.
Yarn Matters: Nua Sport Vs Darnie
We’ve knit each sample in a different yarn, with it’s own unique qualities. The cardigan uses Stolen Stitches ‘Nua Sport’ which is a blend of merino, yak and linen. The smooth stitch definition of this yarn makes it a dream to knit colourwork with. It lies very smoothly even before it’s blocked!
The second, short sleeved sweater version was knit using Studio Dongeal ‘Darnie’. This is a woollen spun, heavy 4-ply yarn that is lighter and woollier than the other yarn. This means that as you are knitting it the stitches will feel a bit more open and when it is blocked they bloom beautifully and really fill in! This makes it essential to block your swatch with this yarn.
Both yarns are non-superwash and feltable so they are both excellent choices for steeking.
Nua Sport is a little thicker and smoother so it will look more even when you are knitting. With blocking Darnie fills out and works as well as Nua Sport but it does need wet blocking. Nua Sport is a feltable yarn which makes it very suitable for steeking. You can in fact even use a felted steek! The most important thing to be able to steek a project is that the yarn is non-superwash and ideally will felt.
If you’re wondering how to choose between Nua and Darnie this might help:
Both of these yarns create a lovely finished garment but they do feel quite different while knitting them. Nua Sport is a worsted spun yarn that is a little thicker so it feels more substantial while you are knitting with it. Darnie is a heavy 4 ply woollen yarn so you will be knitting it a little more loosely which will allow it to bloom when wet blocked.
Nua Sport is more forgiving of stitch definition while Darnie is a more cost-effective option. Both have a fantastic range of coordinating colours for this sweater so have a think about what you’d enjoy the knitting, and the wearing of!
KAL Schedule: When & How to Join In
Daingean KAL Schedule:
During the knit-along, each section of the pattern is a secret and released on the below schedule. As each section is released, you’ll get the updated pattern details and tutorials for the released section.
All PDFs will be uploaded to your Teachable library under the resource section according to the schedule below. If you purchased the pattern on Stolen Stitches or Ravelry, we will also send you a pattern update with the next clue.
Presale: 9th April
Clue 1: 7th May
Clue 2: 21st May
Clue 3: 4th June
Grand Prize: 19th June
How to Join
Click on the links below after 4.30pm Irish Time on Wednesday April 9th. These links will not be live until this time.
Patterns:
Cardigan
https://stolenstitches.com/products/daingean-cardigan-pattern
Sweater
https://stolenstitches.com/products/daingean-sweater-pattern
Yarn Kits:
Long-sleeved yarn kit
https://stolenstitches.com/products/daingean-yarn-kit-long-sleeve
Short-sleeved yarn kit
https://stolenstitches.com/products/daingean-yarn-kit-short-sleeve
Once you purchase, you will receive an email with all the information for this year’s spring knit-along.
What’s Included in the Knit-along?
When you join the Daingean KAL, you’re getting more than just a pattern. You join our community and have access to all the step-by step workshops for free. It’s everything you need to build new skills with confidence and support.
Here’s what’s included:
- Your Choice of Pattern
Choose between the steeked cardigan or the seamless sweater. Each has been written separately to ensure the fit, construction, and instructions are tailored to the garment style. Or if you like, why not choose both with a 50% discount automatically added to your cart on stolenstitches.com. - Complimentary Step-by-Step Video Workshops
Each section of the pattern is paired with an in-depth video tutorial, released alongside each clue. You’ll get guided support through everything from colourwork technique to steeking (with multiple options demonstrated). - Structured KAL Schedule
Clues (pattern sections) are released in a clear, manageable timeline so you can knit at your own pace while staying connected to others working on the same project. It’s prefect if you feel overwhelmed by knitting larger or more complex projects. - Private Community Support
Share your progress, ask questions, and connect with other knitters in the Stolen Stitches KAL threads in KnitHub. You’re never knitting alone and we will be right answering your questions when you need.
This knit-along is designed to give you the tools, support, and confidence to tackle techniques like colourwork, top-down sweater knitting and/or steeking and enjoy every stitch along the way. This is about the fun and thrill of it while ending up with a beautiful, well fitted garment you can show off at the end!
How to Choose the Right Version for You
If you happen to be dancing between the cardigan and sweater colourwork patterns and you can’t decide what to knit, let me see if I can help.
If you are a new knitter, the sweater project will allow you to learn colourwork in the round. If you’ve mastered the basics and want to get started with a colourwork project, it would be an ideal first colourwork project.
If you can already knit colourwork and want a new challenge then the cardigan will allow you to learn how to steek as well as deciding on any body or sleeve modifications you might like to add.
If you’d like to stash dive, here are the pattern details for both options:
Pattern Details – Cardigan
SIZES
To Fit Actual Bust Circumference Up To: 32.75 (36, 38.75, 42, 44.75, 48, 50.75, 54, 56.75, 60.75)” / 83 (91.5, 98.5, 106.5, 113.5, 122, 129, 137, 144, 154.5) cm
2 – 4” / 5 – 4 cm of positive ease recommended.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust Circumference: 35 (38.25, 41, 44.25, 47, 50.25, 53, 56.25, 59, 63)” / 89 (97, 104, 112.5, 119.5, 127.5, 134.5, 143, 150, 160) cm buttoned
Size 38.25” / 97 cm modelled with 3.25”/ 8 cm positive ease.
Length from Back of Neck 23 (23.25, 23.75, 24, 24.25, 24.75, 25, 25.5, 25.75, 26.25)” / 58.5 (59, 60.5, 61, 61.5, 63, 63.5, 65, 65.5, 66.5) cm, not including neckband
YARN
Stolen Stitches ‘Nua Sport’ (60% Merino, 20% Yak, 20% Linen, 153 yds / 140 m per 1.8 oz / 50 g); colours:
MC: Mosquito Coast (9801)
Long Sleeve Version: 8 (9, 9, 10, 10, 11, 11, 12, 13, 14) skeins
Short Sleeve Version: 6 (6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 10) skeins
CC: Cerebellum (9817) 1 skein
Approximate Yardage:
MC, Long Sleeve Version: 1170 (1241, 1338, 1424, 1493, 1587, 1683, 1814, 1896, 2010) yds / 1071 (1135, 1224, 1303, 1366, 1452, 1540, 1660, 1735, 1839) m
MC, Short Sleeve Version: 841 (862, 937, 1007, 1067, 1155, 1224, 1328, 1396, 1500) yds / 770 (789, 858, 921, 976, 1057, 1120, 1215, 1277, 1372) m
CC: 104 (106, 108, 110, 114, 116, 122, 125, 126, 128) yds / 95 (98, 98, 100, 104, 106, 111, 114, 115, 117)
NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US size 4 / 3.5 mm circular needles, 32-40” / 80-100 cm long for St St
US size 4 / 3.5 mm dpns if magic loop not used for sleeves for St St
US size 5 / 3.75 mm circular needles, 32-40” / 80-100 cm for colourwork
US size 5 / 3.75 mm dpns if magic loop not used for sleeves for colourwork
Always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed, as every knitter’s gauge is unique.
Tapestry needle, waste yarn, markers, 9 (9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10, 10) buttons 0.75” / 20 mm diameter.
GAUGE
24 sts and 32 rnds = 4″ / 10 cm in St St blocked with smaller needles
24 sts and 30 rnds = 4″ / 10 cm in Stranded Colourwork blocked with larger needles.
Pattern Details – Sweater
SIZES
To Fit Actual Bust Circumference Up To: 32.75 (36, 38.75, 42, 44.75, 48, 50.75, 54, 56.75, 60.75)” / 83 (91.5, 98.5, 106.5, 113.5, 122, 129, 137, 144, 154.5) cm
2 – 4” / 5 – 10 cm of positive ease recommended.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust Circumference: 34.75 (38, 40.75, 44, 46.75, 50, 52.75, 56, 58.75, 62.75)” / 88.5 (96.5, 103.5, 112, 119, 127, 134, 142, 149, 159.5) cm
Size 38” / 96.5 cm modelled with 3”/ 7.5 cm positive ease.
Length from Back of Neck 22.5 (22.75, 23.25, 23.5, 23.75, 24.25, 24.5, 25, 25.25, 25.75)” / 27 (58, 59, 59.5, 60.5, 61.5, 62, 63.5, 64, 65.5) cm, not including neckband
YARN
Studio Donegal ‘Darnie’ (100% Lambswool, 448 yds / 410 m per 3.53 oz / 100 g); colours:
MC: Turquoise (8808)
Long Sleeve Version: 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5) skeins
Short Sleeve Version: 2 (3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) skeins
CC: Light Grey (8811) 1 skein
Approximate Yardage
MC, Long Sleeve Version: 1119 (1189, 1285, 1371, 1439, 1531, 1627, 1757, 1838, 1951) yds / 1024 (1088, 1176, 1254, 1317, 1401, 1489, 1608, 1682, 1785) m
MC, Short Sleeve Version: 829 (850, 928, 1001, 1163, 1154, 1227, 1334, 1405, 1513) yds / 759 (778, 850, 916, 973, 1056, 1123, 1221, 1285, 1384) m
CC: 104 (106, 108, 110, 114, 116, 122, 125, 126, 128) yds / 95 (98, 98, 100, 104, 106, 111, 114, 115, 117) m
Tips for First-Time Steekers
Steeking is not as scary as it seems. Once you’ve got your stitches well secured it works like a dream! It’s one of those have faith instances that makes you feel nervous. Steeking might sound intimidating but with the right preparation, it’s surprisingly empowering.
If you’ve never tried it before here are some practical tips:
1. Practice on a swatch first
Before cutting into your actual project, knit a small colourwork swatch in the round and steek it using your chosen method (crochet, sewn, or felted). This gives you a no-pressure way to see how the fabric behaves and test your technique. Or you can try your hand at a smaller projeect like the Danigean mitts.
2. Choose a sticky, woolly yarn
Steeking works best with yarns that naturally grip, like woollen-spun or non-superwash yarns. They help hold the cut edges together and reduce the risk of unravelling. Studio Donegal Darnie, used in the sweater sample, is an ideal example.
3. Reinforce before you cut
Never skip this step. Reinforcing the steek area – either with a crochet chain, sewn line, or felting – secures the edges and keeps your stitches from running. In the Daingean cardigan, we show a streamlined crochet slip-stitch steek that gives a clean finish without bulk.
4. Use sharp scissors and good lighting
When it’s time to cut, take your time. Use small, sharp scissors, and work in natural light or with a good craft lamp so you can clearly see your stitches. Cut slowly, one bar at a time, right up the centre of your steek stitches.
5. Don’t watch steeking videos at 2am
It’s easy to scare yourself by watching advanced tutorials late at night. Stick to the videos included in the KAL, they’re paced for your project and designed to build trust in the process, not fear. If you’re ever not sure, just pop a question into our community threads in Knithub. We’ve got you!
6. Remember, you’re in control
The cut isn’t rushed. You prepare it. You reinforce it. And when you cut, nothing should shift or unravel. That moment of cutting is often the most empowering (and nerve-wracking) part of the project.
7. Finish the edges thoughtfully
After steeking, you can tidy the raw edges with a facing, ribbon, or even a simple whipstitch. We include finishing options in the KAL so you can choose a method that suits your garment and style. Remember, finishing is where you can add in those extra touches to really make it yours.
Join the KAL
And if all of this is getting you excited about trying colourwork and steeking you can join our KAL right here from April 9th, 2025:
Patterns:
Cardigan
https://stolenstitches.com/products/daingean-cardigan-pattern
Sweater
https://stolenstitches.com/products/daingean-sweater-pattern
Yarn Kits:
Long-sleeved yarn kit
https://stolenstitches.com/products/daingean-yarn-kit-long-sleeve
Short-sleeved yarn kit
https://stolenstitches.com/products/daingean-yarn-kit-short-sleeve
Danigean KAL FAQs
Whether you’re new to steeking or a seasoned colourwork knitter, it’s natural to have questions before casting on. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common queries about the Daingean Knit-Along, from choosing between the cardigan and sweater versions to understanding the techniques, yarn, and schedule.
If you have any other questions please pop them below in the comments!
What is steeking, and how is it used in this pattern?
Steeking is a technique where you knit a piece in the round and later cut it to create openings (e.g., the front of a cardigan). In the Daingean KAL, steeking is only required for the cardigan version, and we include full video tutorials to guide you through the process safely and confidently. We’ll support you right through the thrilling steeking process.
Is the Daingean KAL suitable for beginners?
The Daingean sweater is great for adventerous beginners who would like to build confidence in circular colourwork yoke sweater knitting and top-down sweaters. If you’re wondering what a circular yoke is and how to knit it, this video is what you need:
Can I choose between a cardigan and a sweater version?
Yes. The Daingean KAL includes two separate patterns: one for a steeked cardigan and one for a seamless sweater. Each version is fully supported with workshops and detailed instructions, so you can choose which is best for you! If you want to buy both just add them to your cart and there will be 50% automatically taken off the second pattern.
How do I choose my garment size?
It’s as easy as one, two, three! First check your size, check your gauge and then check the pattern and choose your size. I have a video and blog detailing everything you need in more detail right here:
Are the patterns available separately?
Absolutely. You can purchase either the cardigan or sweater pattern individually. If you buy both, you’ll automatically receive 50% off the second pattern in your cart.
Do I need to use Nua Sport or Darnie yarn?
Not necessarily. The samples were knit in Nua Sport (for the cardigan) and Studio Donegal Darnie (for the sweater), both of which are excellent for colourwork and steeking. However, you can substitute with a similar yarn that meets gauge and has good stitch definition. Just be sure to swatch and block your yarn before starting.
You can watch our handy tutorial on yarn substitution right here:
What if I’ve never done steeking before?
You’re not alone! Many knitters in our community try steeking for the first time through a knitting club or KAL. Our video workshops walk you through preparation, cutting, and finishing so you can approach it with confidence.
Where can I share my progress and ask questions?
We encourage knitters to share their work and ask questions in our Stolen Stitches KAL thread in Knithub. It’s a great way to stay motivated, get help, and celebrate your progress with others.