This is the grown-up version of my best selling child cardigan “Hyphen.”

An em dash is a large hyphen, one of the most versatile punctuation symbols. I thought it was a fitting name for this essential, unfussy cardigan.
A few short rows, a hybrid circular/raglan yoke construction and a beautiful I-cord finish are some of the thoughtful features that enhance the fit of the yoke and neckline. The unusual textured stitch detail on the yoke, cuffs and pockets provide the perfect amount of understated sophistication, while the slight A-line shape of the body makes this cardigan especially comfortable and flattering.

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CONSTRUCTION:

This cardigan is knit seamlessly from the top down, featuring a circular yoke embellished with an easy textured stitch. A few short rows are worked for a comfortable neckline fit. Stitches for the sleeves are put on hold while the body of the cardigan is worked, with a few increases to achieve a slight A-line silhouette. Sleeves are then put back on needles and worked in the round, featuring texture stitch cuffs. Button bands are worked as you go with a neat I-cord edging. An I-cord bind off is used to finish the neckline and requires a very small amount of grafting (optional). Directions for optional pockets are also given.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

Skills required: provisional cast on (link to tutorial provided), knitting, purling, increasing, short rows, decreasing, knitting in the round, picking up stitches, binding off, I-cord edging (explanations provided), I-cord bind off (explanations provided), kitchener stitch grafting (just a couple of stitches, link to tutorial provided).

SIZES:

XS (S, M, L // XL, XXL, 3XL)
To fit bust: 30 (34, 38, 42 // 46, 50, 54) inches or 76 (86.5, 96.5, 106.5 // 117, 127, 137) cm.
Note: bust corresponds to full bust measurement with undergarments on.
Finished garment bust: 33.25 (37.5, 41.25, 45.25 // 49.25, 53.5, 57.25) inches or 84.5 (95.5, 105, 115 // 125, 136, 145.5) cm.

Note about sizing: You can choose a size based on your actual full bust measurement, which will result in a garment that has about 3 inches or 7.5cm positive ease in the bust. Alternatively, you can choose a size based on the finished garment measurement desired.

YARN REQUIREMENTS:

Approximately 1100 (1200, 1300, 1400 // 1500, 1600, 1700) yards or 1006 (1097, 1189, 1280 // 1372, 1463, 1554) meters of dk to worsted weight yarn.
Aqua sample is shown in dk weight yarn, grey sample is shown in worsted weight yarn. A dk weight yarn will yield a drapier effect and require more yardage than a worsted weight yarn. The aqua sample is a M size, the grey sample is an S size. The model has a 37” bust size.

NEEDLES:

-US 6 or 4mm circular needle at least 24” or 60cm long (or size needed to match stockinette stitch gauge).
-1 set of matching dpns for sleeves.
-US 4 or 3.5mm needle at least 24” or 60cm long
(or size needed to match garter stitch gauge).
-1 set of matching dpns for neckline.

NOTIONS:

• 6 stitch markers
• tapestry needle
• 2 stitch holders or pieces of scrap yarn for sleeves (and 2 more if making pockets)
• three 5/8-inch or 1.5cm buttons, or more if desired

GAUGE:

21 sts x 28 rows = 4 inches or 10cm in stockinette stitch using larger needles, after blocking
20 sts x 40 rows (i.e. 20 ridges) = 4 inches or 10cm in garter stitch using smaller needles, after blocking