When I came to release the striped cardigan pattern from my book, I decided to re-make it in a different yarn. Originally it was a summer pattern, made in cotton yarn, but I wanted to rebrand it as a festive winter pattern, and make it in a light weight drapey yarn that would be really cozy and make it more of a statement piece.
I chose Stylecraft Grace, an acrylic mohair blend yarn that was light and fluffy. I intended to follow the original pattern and simply change the yarn and yarn quantities. However, I found my stitches ended up taller and therefore the cardigan was working up much more oversized. Its amazing how much difference this small change made! My stitch width tension was the same, so the length didn't change, but as the cardigan is worked vertically, the additional row height meant that it was gaining width, and therefore positive ease. Instead of frogging it, and going down a hook size, I decided to keep going, as I felt that the extra volume would work in its favour, and I was right. I am really happy with the way its turned out, and I think you guys are too!
It did mean that I had to change the pattern though. The new tension meant new measurements and new row counts for some sizes. Luckily though, the new tension worked better across all the sizes and I was able to simply the pattern so that all sizes follow the same instructions throughout and all sizes use yarn B as the trim.
So what's changed? The body mainly, the sleeve instructions remain unchanged, they just have more volume now, due to the new row height.
*The new row height tension is 8.5 rows to 10cm/4in, it was 9 rows in the original pattern. The stitch width tension remains the same.
* I cinched in the cuffs and hem by working 3 slip stitches across 2 rows, instead of 4 slip stitches per 2 rows. I did the same across the back neck.
*I changed the layout so all sizes work the same format, starting with the left panel and then the right panel. All sizes use yarn B as the cuff and front edge trim.
*On the final row of the front edge trim, I worked a dc2tog in each corner of the back neck to stop the neck stretching.
*The Candy Cane cardigan is available in US terms as well as UK. The book only has UK crochet terms.
*I've added more diagrams and step photos - in the book I was pressed for space!
*The yarn, yarn quantities and overall finished measurements. I've added images of these below.
So how does the main body differ? Rather than try and explain, I'm just going to publish the changes below. Its simpler now, so all sizes work the left panel and then the right panel...(written below in UK terms - ensure you follow new tension)..
Left Panel
Set up row: Using yarn A 136 [136, 148, 148, 160, 160, 172, 172] fdc
R1: Attach yarn B to top of first st, 3ch, 1tr in 1st ch, (miss 2 ch, 3tr in next ch) 44 [44, 48, 48, 52, 52, 56, 56] times, miss 2ch, 2tr in last ch, turn. 44 [44, 48, 48, 52, 52, 56, 56] groups.
R2: 3ch, 3tr in next 45 [45, 49, 49, 53, 53, 57, 57] sps, 1tr in top of 3ch, turn.
R3: Using yarn A, 3ch, 1tr in first sp, 3tr in next 44 [44, 48, 48, 52, 52, 56, 56] sps, 1tr in last sp, 1tr in top of 3ch, turn.
Size XS only - work from shoulder increases as written in the book.
All sizes - R2 & R3 form pattern. Rep pattern x [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7] more times, changing colour every 2 rows. x [5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17] rows.
Now follow the shoulder increases exactly as they are written in the book. Work first row in same colour as last row, then change colour every 2 rows. At the end you'll have 16 [18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30] rows.
To extend the left back neck follow 'Panel 1 back neck decrease' from the book for rows 1-3. R2 & R3 form pattern. Rep pattern 2 more times. You will have 7 rows and last row will be a single row stripe. Fasten off. 23 [25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37] rows in total.
Right panel
Follow Left panel as explained above, followed by the shoulder increases as written in the book. Then work as below to extend right back neck.
Right back extension
R1: Count 26 [26, 28, 28, 30, 30, 32, 32] sps in from end of last row and attach next colour yarn in sp. 3ch, 1tr in same sp, 3tr in next 23 [23, 25, 25, 27, 27, 29, 29] sps, 1tr in last sp, 1tr in top of 3ch, turn.
Work R2-R7 as left back extension.
Sew the backs together as explained in the book. For the front extensions, sizes XS- L work the first 6 rows, sizes XL to 4XL work 8 rows. (This isn't a hard and fast rule - you can work more or less if you wish).
Work the sleeves and sew the cardigan together in the same way as explained in the book. Using yarn B, work the cuffs and edge trim the same, remembering to slip stitch 3 stitches across 2 rows instead of 4, and working dc2tog at the back neck corners on the final row of the trim.
That's it folks! If you have any questions feel free to email me at ironlambdesigns@gmail.com or use the contact form here on my website.
