Free Pattern Friday – Aeolis Throw
Needles Out! Knits for Guys with Sweater Envy
Have we all seen Knives Out? Or at least seen photos of Chris Evans wearing The Sweater?
This pullover became such a rage on the internet that Evans wound up getting one for his dog for Christmas.
Fortunately, as crafters, we can create this look on our own, no costume department needed. If you or someone you know has sweater envy, we’ve got five sweaters (and one vest) for the knitter who wants to cast on some fashionable cables!
1. Infinite Diamonds
We’re starting with the one that requires the least cabling, to ease into things. Infinite Diamonds (pattern link here) is knit in Fibra Natura Dona, a 100% superwash extrafine merino with a tight twist that really makes stitches pop.
No cables on the back, just plain stockinette. Infinite Diamonds is knit flat in pieces and seamed.
We love the windowpane effect given by the cables inside cables on the front panel. This is part of e-book The Dona Collection, featuring bold use of color blocking to create dramatic modern pieces. For a standalone design, though, let’s move to the world of magazines.
2. Anchorage Cardigan
Published in Interweave Knits Winter 2018 issue, the Anchorage Cardigan (Ravelry link) shares a few features with Infinite Diamonds. Both are designed by the amazing Amy Gunderson, and both feature Dona yarn.
The differences, though, are obvious. The Anchorage Cardigan features a textured back (in fact, a textured everything).
Saddle Shoulders create a lovely line. As you might guess from the shoulders, this sweater is worked in pieces and seamed.
Carrying the pattern onto the pockets is a thoughtful design detail. If you’re confident working twisted stitches without a cable needle, you need never have to use one at all. Let’s move on to another cabled cardi, from an entire collection full of cabled designs.
3. Greensboro Cardigan
Unlike the previous sweaters, the Greensboro Cardigan (pattern link here) is worked in Deluxe Worsted wool, on US size 7 (4.5mm) needles as opposed to size 6 (4mm).
This stitch pattern is very stretchy – something to keep in mind when picking your size.
As with the Anchorage Cardigan, if you’re proficient with crossing stitches, you can do this without using a cable needle. Amy Gunderson even has a blog tutorial for this design (and others from the Deluxe Cable Collection) on creating the set-in pockets and installing a zipper. She even made a special chart for the sleeve increases to help a new knitter here in the office.
4. Wesley Heights
For my money, this pullover is the most “Knives Out” one we’ve seen so far. Wesley Heights (pattern link here) is part of the same Deluxe Cable Collection that the Greensboro Cardigan above is in. (And friends, there are 17 designs in that e-book for $20, so if you love cables… I’m just saying.)
Like the Greensboro Cardi, this is a very stretchy stitch pattern knit in Deluxe Worsted wool. This one has a greater variety of stitch patterns, though, to satisfy your knitting itch.
Amy Gunderson knitted this one for herself, and shares little tips (do you know how to spit-splice?) on our blog.
5. Kerf
Kerf (pattern link here) is knit in Deluxe Worsted Superwash, the machine washable sibling to the Deluxe Worsted used in Wesley Heights, above.
Columns of classic cables are split by welting for a well-defined look.
LOVE the detailing where the shoulders meet the collar.
This was one of our most popular sweaters of the year, and it’s not hard to see why. Kerf is available on its own or as part of the Deluxe Men’s Collection.
…and one more for luck.
The Chapel Hill Vest (pattern link here) is a free pattern on our site!
Knit in Deluxe Worsted, the vest is worked in two pieces and seamed. Stitch patterns are written and charted.
The center cable is a fantastic focal point, surrounded by smaller cables and twisted stitches. Fabulous.
We hope you’re inspired to get your needles out, and cast on something warm and wonderful.
Happy crafting!
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Have a fantastic weekend.
Happy knitting!
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We hope you have a great weekend, filled with comfort and joy.
Happy crafting!
Free Pattern Friday – Dragonfly Pullover
I was delighted when Pantone made Basic Blue their color of the year for 2020. I’m all about blue in all its shades. So this lace-hemmed pullover in Angora Lace color 212 Denim is a dream come true. Lovely details like drop shoulders and 3/4 length sleeves give this a simple and calm, but engaging, feel. And that body! A surprising and fun hemline, leading to islands of interlocking lace, rising to a sea of fine stockinette. It’s a great way to show off your knitting while still letting the piece do what every sweater should do – show YOU off to your best advantage. If you really want to lean into the blue, Angora Lace has several tones, including these two solids which echo 2020’s Basic Blue beautifully. Or go with a multi for all or part of it. There are so many options. We hope you have a fantastic, stress-free weekend, and find time to embrace some peace and joy for yourself.
Happy crafting!