Originally published in Laine’s 52 Weeks of Sweaters, Spines cardigan draws inspiration from academic style, with wide two-colour brioche stripes reminiscent of book spines on a library shelf. The relaxed fit and classic V-neck make it an easy pick for everyday wear, while the wide stripes add a fun detail and an opportunity to play with colour combinations. Worked in both single- and two-colour brioche, this cardigan is a satisfying knit that flies off the needles and might just become your new favourite.
Sizing
1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9) to fit an approximate bust circumference of 75-80 (80-89, 89-101, 101-110, 110-120) 120-132, 132-141, 141-150, 150-155) cm / 30-32 (32-36, 36-40, 40-44, 44-48) (48-53, 53-56, 56-60, 60-62) inches.
Gauge
13 sts x 36 rows in brioche rib stitch pattern on 5 mm (US 8) needles = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4 “
Needles
5 mm (US 8) / 100 cm (40“) circular needles
4.5 mm (US 7) / 100 cm (40”) circular needles
Materials
350 (400, 400, 450, 500) (550, 550, 600, 650) g of Peruvian by Filcolana (50 g = 100 m / 109 yds) in main color and 100 (100, 150, 150, 150) (150, 200, 200, 200) g in contrasting color.
4–5 buttons (depending on size and personal preference) approximately 2 cm / 0.8” in diameter.
Level of difficulty
4/5 or intermediate. Required skills: two-color brioche rib stitch pattern, increasing & decreasing in brioche, picking up stitches, Italian bind-off, Kitchener stitch.
Size guide
Recommended ease: 10-20 cm / 4-8” of positive ease for a regular fit and 20-30 cm / 8-12” of positive ease for a loose fit. Measurements of the finished garment:
Bust circumference: 95 (104, 116, 125, 135) (147, 156, 165, 175) cm / 38 (42, 46, 50, 54) (59, 62, 66, 70)”.
Yoke depth: 26 (26, 28, 30, 30) (31, 32, 32, 34) cm / 10.5 (10.5, 11.25, 12, 12) (12.5, 12.75, 12.75, 13.5)”.
Upper sleeve circumference: 34 (35, 37, 40, 43) (47, 51, 55, 58) cm / 13.5 (14, 14.75, 16, 17.25) (19, 20.25, 22, 23.25)”.
Length from underarm to hem: 24 (25, 26, 27, 28) (29, 30, 31, 32) cm / 9.5 (10, 10.5, 10.75, 11.25) (11.5, 12, 12.5, 12.75)”.
Sleeve length: 40 cm / 16”.
Workflow
Spines cardigan has a circular yoke construction and is worked seamlessly from the top down. First the yoke is shaped using circular and raglan increases while simultaneously shaping the neckline. Then, stitches are separated for the body and sleeves. The cuffs and hem are finished with 1×1 ribbing, and the button band is worked in double knitting.
For any pattern support, please contact simona@lowkeyboldknit.com
