The Aptenodytes cardigan is one of 11 engaging patterns from Penguin: a Knit Collection by Anna Maltz - a printed book packed with patterns, photographs, illustrations and stories, all inspired by penguins. Available from annamaltz.com and your LYS for £18.50. It comes with a complimentary PDF download code.

A design collaboration between Kristin Blom and Anna Maltz. A drape fronted cardigan with fitted sleeves. Flattering on a full range of sizes. The sleeves are worked first, in the round, from the cuff up to the underarms. Both sleeves are then joined with the back in order to knit across the shoulders in one piece. The easy to remember stitch pattern alternates rows of daisy stitch with eyelets and purl feature rows on a base of stocking 
stitch is both written and charted. The fronts are picked up and knitted-on, leaving only short seams to sew at the shoulders. It is fastened with a button on either side of the neckline (one hidden button and one larger feature button) with the option of two different buttonholes on either side for a variety of ways to wear it. This versatility means it lends itself well to stylish penguin mamas: whether pregnant or breastfeeding.

SIZE
S (M, L, XL, XXL)
To fit bust size:
86 (96, 106, 116, 126)cm / 34 (38, 42, 46, 50)”
Because of the open style front of this cardigan, we recommend erring towards a smaller rather than larger size.

TENSION
19 sts and 26 rows = 10cm / 4” over stocking stitch on 5mm
Row tension is important for this pattern as the fronts are worked sideways.

Navia Duo is a 4ply/Sport weight, knitted on larger needles to get a DK/worsted tension with drape. Look for a yarn that indicates 22-23 sts to 10cm on the label and adjust your needle size to obtain the Aptenodytes tension. Generally this means you will knit on larger needles to achieve fewer stitches than specified on the ball band. Alternatively, use a DK weight yarn if you want a warmer, more densely knit garment.

SUGGESTED NEEDLES
5mm (US 8/UK 6) circular needle, 100cm / 40” length.

If knitting the larger sizes, a 150cm / 60” length circular needle is recommended.

5mm (US 8 / UK 6) DPNs or a longer length circular needle for working magic loop method for sleeves
.
Additional spare circular needle in a similar size if using DPNs


Sleeves are knitted in the round and body flat. Be aware that for many knitters their tension changes between working in the round and flat. If this is the case for you, make sure to check your tension carefully between sleeves and body and adjust your needle size accordingly. This may mean you need an additional needle in a different size.

YARN
Navia Duo (4ply/Sport weight; 100% wool; 180m / 196yds per 50g)

Black (27) x 8 (8, 9, 10, 11)


Option given to replace 1 (1, 2, 2, 2) ball/s of main colour with 2 (2, 3, 3, 3) balls of your choice of second colour, to work a two-colour version.

NOTIONS
1 button 1.5cm / 2/3” diameter – this won’t be visible
1 decorative button 4 cm / 1½” diameter


Errata: In the very last paragraph of the section titled Shoulders and Top of Back, it should say: … then work a further 1 (2, 3, 3, 3) full repeats followed (…), ie the smallest size should only have one more repeat, not two.