Cool fall days spent apple picking or frequenting the farmer’s market require a little extra layer of warmth and comfort. In the case of this swingy cardigan styled sweater the warm and cozy factor is supplied by the alpaca merino blend tweed yarn, but if you live in a warm climate you might wish to substitute a cotton blend. Because the change of season brings days that can quickly go from brisk to summery, I have not opted for full length sleeves, but you may experiment with different lengths for both body and sleeves in this pattern to find a sweater that works perfectly for you. A bonus feature of the drapey front edges is that they may be overlapped or folded or just left hanging for a variety of different looks. (and levels of extra warmth!) I often have one of my children in a carrier or on my lap and this feature is great for snuggling them up and keeping them cozy when we are out as well.

Supplies:
(3, 3, 4, 4) {5, 6, 7, 8, 8} balls of KnitPicks City Tweed HW (55% Merino wool, 25% superfine alpaca, 20% Donegal tweed - 164 yards/100 grams) (sample is in Jaquard)

2 pairs of US size 9 (5.5mm) 32” circular needles or 1 60 inch cabled circular (for magic loop method) and/or double pointed needles of the same diameter (or whatever size you require to achieve gauge in stockinette stitch)

Blunt Darning in needle

Sharp darning in needle

4 stitch markers

Scissors

Waste yarn to hold stitches

Shawl pin or other closure of your choice

Sizes:
Woman’s size XS, S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X each fit a bust measurement of approximately 30”, 34”, 38”, 42”, 46”, 50”, 54”, 58”, 62”

Skills:
The only stitches involved in this sweater are K, P, YO, K2 tog, and SSK. The pattern itself it quite simple and is appropriate for courageous beginners. There are no techniques involved that should stump you. If you try the provisional cast on and are uncomfortable using it feel free to substitute with the cast on of your choice and simply sew the under arm stitches to the body when finished.

Extra info:
The sample sweater was knit at a gauge of 3.25 stitches per inch, and the yarn used was a heavy worsted weight, somewhat fluffy, but not really any bulkier/chunkier than any other worsted weight. If you would like to use a substitute yarn I would recommend staying within the realm of worsted/heavy worsted/aran weights rather than a bulky or chunky yarn because the loose gauge in this sweater serves to keep it light and drapey. If you prefer a denser fabric be aware that it may not fall in the same manner as the sample shown. Many of the testers chose to lengthen the sleeves and body so you may as well. The suggested yarn amounts are for the shorter sleeves and body length, so add 1-2 balls of yarn depending on how much further you wish to knit.

The sample sweater has a narrower edge of garter stitch than was eventually written into the pattern. (2 ridges vs. 4)