Clarion by Susan Crawford

Clarion

Knitting
September 2024
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
30 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches
in over stranded colourwork worked in the round, after blocking. We obtained this gauge using 3mm needles.
US 1½ - 2.5 mm
US 2½ - 3.0 mm
9 sizes to fit chest measurements between 76 - 177cm (30 - 70 in)
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This pattern is currently only available as part of A Stitch in Time Volume 3 the colourwork edition.

Clarion is a sophisticated, elegant cardigan with a striking two-colour pattern, perfect for wearing over a dress or skirt and blouse. Clarion has been knitted in a delightful combination of pink and cream for maximum 1950s glamour.

This striking all-over colourwork cardigan has set-in sleeves and a neat round neck. The original single sized pattern was knitted in flat pieces which were then sewn together. The updated version is knitted in the round with a centre front steek worked throughout and armhole steeks added after the armhole division. The original version of the pattern is worked with a dark pattern shade against a light background, in this updated version you can choose either to work dark on light using Colourway One, as the original, or instead, use Colourway Two to give a light pattern on a dark background.

There are three lengths of sleeve - short, medium and long - as well as three lower body lengths, however you can select any of the sleeve lengths regardless of the body length you are knitting. Please note that yarn usage has been calculated on the assumption that a medium length body will also have medium length sleeves. If however you plan to knit a longer length sleeve than the body, I would recommend selecting the yarn usage as specified for the length which matches the chosen sleeve length to avoid potentially running out of yarn.

Laura is shown wearing 4th size sample to fit 112-117cm (44-46in) chest with 10cm (4in) of positive ease. The sample is medium length and is in Colourway One.

Clarion is knitted in Excelana North fingering weight, the perfect yarn for colour work garments. Colourway one, as shown in the photographs, uses Alabaster and Blancmange. Our alternative suggestion is Colourway two which uses Sweet Chestnut and Crayola to give a light pattern on a dark background.

The pattern includes instructions for 9 sizes to fit chest measurements between 76 - 177cm (30 - 70 in) and contains clear written instructions plus a comprehensive schematic diagram and sizing chart, together with charted instructions for the colourwork areas.

A yarn kit is also available containing all the yarn required to knit Clarion.

Yarn
Susan Crawford Excelana North fingering weight
100% British wool, 75% Cheviot, 25% Bluefaced Leicester (159m / 174yds per 50g skein approx)
Colourway One
Yarn A: shade Alabaster
Yarn B: shade Blancmange

Colourway Two
Yarn A: shade Sweet Chestnut
Yarn B: shade Crayola

Yarn Requirements

Short Length
7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) skeins - Yarn A
4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8) skeins - Yarn B

Medium Length
8 (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 16) skeins - Yarn A
4 (5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8) skeins - Yarn B

Long Length
9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18) skeins - Yarn A
5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9) skeins - Yarn B

Gauge
30 sts and 32 rounds = 10cm (4in) over stranded colourwork worked in the round, after blocking. We obtained this gauge using 3mm needles.
If necessary, use an alternative needle size to obtain the correct gauge.

Suggested needles
Small needles:
2.5mm (US 1.5) circular needle (60-100cm in length)
2.5mm (US 1.5) circular needle (40cm in length)
Set of 2.5mm (US 1.5) DPNs

Large needles:
3mm (US 3) circular needle (60-100cm in length)
3mm (US 3) circular needle (40cm in length)
Set of 3mm (US 3) DPNs

Notions
Stitch markers
Waste yarn or stitch holders
Short Lower Body Length 6 (6, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7) buttons
Medium Lower Body Length 7 (7, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8) buttons
Long Lower Body Length 8 (8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9) buttons

Techniques
Knitting in the round
Following a Chart
Steeks
Picking up stitches
Inserting a sleeve