Drape front cardi

As much as we’re looking forward to spring, we know that the British weather is anything but predictable. That’s why you need a pretty yet practical cover-up in your wardrobe, just like this one here actually. The intricate twisting cables make this a true showstopper and it is one of those patterns that you can really get stuck into, as it also features deliberately dropped stitches. So, take yourself off somewhere quiet, whip out your needles and get cracking. We can’t wait to see the result!

MEASUREMENTS & SIZES

Dress size (approx): 8 (10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26)

To fit chest (cm): 81 (86, 91, 97, 102, 107, 112, 117, 122, 127)

Actual chest (cm): 90 (96, 102, 107, 113, 117, 121, 126, 132, 138)

Length to back neck (cm):

58 (60, 61, 62, 64, 66, 68, 69, 70, 71)

Underarm sleeve length (cm):

37 (40, 40, 40, 40, 41, 41, 42, 42, 42)

KNIT KIT

Yarn: Sirdar Snuggly Supersoft Aran, shade 870 Denim, 5 (5, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8) 100g balls

Needles: 4.5mm, 5mm

Cable needle Split ring markers Tapestry needle

TENSION SQUARE

■ 21 sts x 24 rows

■ 10cm x 10cm

■ Over pattern

■ 5mm needles

FOR ABBREVIATIONS SEE PAGE 97

SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS

C11B: sl next six sts onto cn, hold at back of work, k2, p1, k2, then work p1, k2, p1, k2 from cn

Drop stitch: drop k st from needle to make a ladder, then work yrn to keep st count correct (ladder will stop at prev yrn so won’t unravel)

ABOUT THE YARN

Sirdar Snuggly Supersoft Aran is a versatile, smooth acrylic yarn that’s kind on the skin and will knit up quickly. Take your pick from seven classic shades. This yarn can be machine washed and has an RRP of £4.15 per 100g (236m) ball. For stockists, visit sirdar.com

Start knitting here...

BACK

Using 4.5mm needles, cast on 97 (103, 109, 115, 121, 125, 129, 135, 141, 147) sts

☐ Work in Single Rib until work meas 4cm, ending after a RS row Change to 5mm needles

☐ Set-up row (WS): k4 (7, 10, 13, 3, 5, 7, 10, 13, 3), [p2, k1] three times, p2, k2, * [p1, p2tog, yrn] three times, p2, k2, [p2, k1] three times, p2, k2, rep from
* to last 2 (5, 8, 11, 1, 3, 5, 8, 11, 1) sts, k2 (5, 8, 11, 1, 3, 5, 8, 11, 1) Cont as folls using written or charted instructions (overleaf):

☐ Next row (RS): p2 (5, 8, 11, 1, 3, 5, 8, 11, 1), work Row 1 of Cable Pattern A across 93 (93, 93, 93, 119, 119, 119, 119, 119, 145) sts, p2 (5, 8, 11, 1, 3, 5, 8, 11, 1)

☐ Next row: k2 (5, 8, 11, 1, 3, 5, 8, 11, 1), work Row 2 of Cable Pattern A across 93 (93, 93, 93, 119, 119, 119, 119, 119, 145) sts, k2 (5, 8, 11, 1, 3, 5, 8, 11, 1) These two rows set position of patt

☐ Cont in patt as set until work meas 35 (36, 36, 36, 37, 38, 39, 4