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INTRO

When I was developing the cable stitch pattern for Forsythia, I knew I wanted strong stitch definition on a comfy cardigan. Soon after, I found the perfect yarn to match the pattern. Elder, a light worsted base from Ritual Dyes, has a gorgeous 2-ply twist that contributes even more definition than I’d expected. As one person put it, it’s like a stitch within a stitch.

The Forsythia pattern has a flat, top-down and raglan construction with a cozy garter collar and cuffs and optional front pockets. The cable stitches used throughout the pattern comprise only three stitches at a time and do not require a cable needle. I encourage you to check out my tutorial on how to work cables without a cable needle (link in pattern) if you are unsure of how to use this method.

This pattern includes three separate files, which are divided into the following size ranges: 1-7, 8-13 and 14-19. You need only download and work the file that includes your size.

All of my patterns are #sizeinclusive.

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate

SKILLS REQUIRED

Simple cables, knitting in small circumferences, picking up stitches

BLOCKED GAUGE

A swatch chart for the cable pattern is included.

24 stitches and 27 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in cable and twisted rib pattern on size US 6 / 4.0 mm needles

19 stitches and 44 rows/rounds = 4 in / 10 cm in garter stitch on size US 4 / 3.5 mm needles

NEEDLES

Needle size is a suggestion only. Always use a needle size that will result in the correct gauge after blocking.

US 4 / 3.5 mm in the following lengths: 16 in / 40 cm for cast-on; at least 36 in / 90 cm for working magic loop for cuffs, DPNs or small circumference needles if not using magic loop for cuffs; and 60 in / 150 cm for collar

US 6 / 4.0 mm in the following lengths: 16 in / 40 cm for top of the yoke, at least 36 in / 90 cm for lower yoke and body and for working magic loop for sleeves, DPNs or small circumference needles if not using magic loop for sleeves, one spare needle for holding pocket lining sts as they are worked

FILE 1

Sizing:

1 (2, 3, 4) (5, 6, 7)

To fit chest circumference of 28 (30, 32, 34) (36, 38, 40) in / 70 (75, 80, 85) (90, 95, 100) cm

Finished width around chest: 27.25 (29.25, 31.25, 33.25) (35.25, 37.25, 39.25) in / 68 (73, 78, 83) (88, 93, 98) cm

Intended to fit with 1.25-2 in / 3-5 cm of positive ease in the chest and worn with a 3 in / 7.5 cm opening in front. Size up for a smaller opening. See Schematic for your size range at left for more sizing details.

Yardage:

Yardage includes a 5% buffer.

7 (7, 8, 8) (9, 9, 9) skeins of Ritual Dyes Elder

1247 (1319, 1400, 1472) (1528, 1575, 1655) yards / 1140 (1206, 1280, 1346) (1397, 1440, 1513) meters

FILE 2

Sizing:

8 (9, 10, 11) (12, 13)

To fit chest circumference of 42 (44, 46, 48) (50, 52) in / 105 (110, 115, 120) (125, 130) cm

Finished width around chest: 41.25 (43.25, 45.25, 47.25) (49.25, 49.25 in / 103 (108, 113, 118) (123, 123) cm

Intended to fit with 1.25-2 in / 3-5 cm of positive ease in the chest and worn with a 3 in / 7.5 cm opening in front. Size up for a smaller opening. See Schematic for your size range at left for more sizing details.

Yardage:

Yardage includes a 5% buffer.

10 (10, 10, 11) (11, 12) skeins of Ritual Dyes Elder

1823 (1862, 1893, 1974) (2055, 2115) yards / 1667 (1703, 1731, 1805) (1879, 1934) meters

FILE 3

Sizing:

14 (15, 16, 17) (18, 19)

To fit chest circumference of 54 (56, 58, 60) (62, 64) in / 135 (140, 145, 150) (155, 160) cm

Finished width around chest: 53.75 (55.75, 57.75, 59.75) (61.25, 63.25) in / 134.5 (139.5, 144.5, 149.5) (153, 158) cm

Intended to fit with 1.25-2 in / 3-5 cm of positive ease in the chest and worn with a 3 in / 7.5 cm opening in front. Size up for a smaller opening. See Schematic for your size range at left for more sizing details.

Yardage:

Yardage includes a 5% buffer.

13 (13, 14, 14) (14, 15) skeins of Ritual Dyes Elder

2343 (2427, 2514, 2589) (2648, 2734) yards / 2142 (2219, 2299, 2367) (2421, 2500) meters