A simple knit, the Constant Companion cardigan knits up quickly and is both an enjoyable knit for seasoned knitters and also a great introduction to Fair Isle knitting for beginners.

The cardigan is knitted in one piece from the bottom up, and is written to be worked back and forth until it is joined together into the round to knit the Fair Isle yoke. At this point a small steek section is worked and serves as a great starting point for anyone scared of steeking. For more experienced knitters it is simple to work the steek from commencement of the body to avoid purl rows if preferred.

Sleeves are knitted separately and then joined to the body at the armhole divide and from there the garment is knitted in one piece. A moss stitch button band is picked up and worked after the body is completed.

Full colour charts are provided for the Fair Isle motif.

A wide range of sizes are provided in the pattern to fit from a 28 inch chest to a 62 inch chest.

The cardigan is knitted in Excelana DK 100% British wool from Susan Crawford.

The sample worn by Susan is knitted in Pomegranate with additional contrast colours on the yoke of Olea, Tansy and Snowdrop.

The sample worn by Charlie is knitted in Olea with additional contrast colours on the yoke of Heliotrope, Tansy and Snowdrop.

Sizing:

The pattern includes 9 sizes to fit the following chest measurements: 71-76cm(28-30in), 81-86cm(32-34in), 91-97cm(36-38in), 102-107cm(40-42in), 112-117cm(44-46cm), 122-127cm(48-50in), 132-137cm(52-54in), 142-147cm (56-58in), 152-157cm(60-62in).

Lower body length can be easily adjusted to create different silhouettes.

Susan is wearing the 4th size (102-107cm(40-42in)) with approximately 5cm(2in) of positive ease at the chest; Charlie is wearing the 2nd size (81-86cm(32-34in)) with zero ease at the chest. It is recommended you choose a size with approximately 0-5cm(0-2in) of positive ease at the chest.

Yarn:

Excelana DK from Susan Crawford, 100% British wool

Colourway One
4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7) 100g skeins shade Pomegranate

1 skein each of three contrast shades Olea, Tansy and Snowdrop

Colourway Two
4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7) skeins shade Olea

1 skein each of three contrast shades Heliotrope, Tansy and Snowdrop

This yarn is available as a kit providing the three contrast shades in mini-skeins perfect for the Fair Isle yoke of the cardigan and resulting in a significant saving.
Gauge:

22 sts and 30 rows = 10cm(4in) measured over stocking stitch knitted flat and after blocking. We obtained this gauge using 4mm (US 6) needles.

22 sts and 26 rounds = 10cm(4in) measured over stranded colourwork worked in the round and after blocking. We obtained this gauge using 4mm (US 6) needles.

Suggested Needles:

3.25mm (US 3) circular needle (80-100cm in length); Set of 3.25mm (US 3) DPNs; 4mm (US 6) circular needle (40cm in length); 4mm (US 6) circular needle (80-100cm in length); Set of 4mm (US 6) DPNs

Notions:

Waste yarn or stitch holders

Stitch markers
11 buttons approximately 1.5cm (0.5in) in diameter

Sewing needle and thread
scissors
4 large clear press studs
4 buttons

Techniques used:

Short row shaping; Circular yoke knitting; Stranded Colourwork, Working a steek.

#sizeinclusive

Errata for this patter can be found on the Susan Crawford Vintage website.