I have always liked the look of cable patterns but find using a cable needle a bit of a bother. I always lose my cable needle and find that searching for it breaks the rhythm of my knitting. So, anything that looks like cables but doesn’t need a cable needle is a win!
The patterns on this sweater are inspired by carvings found on stones at Ness of Brodgar, Orkney. This is an amazing place which contains a massive complex of Neolithic buildings from about 3000BC.
Nora Gaughan’s Twisted Stitch Sourcebook has been an inspiration for this and I highly recommend it. The patterns on this sweater are not taken from her book but the technique is.
This relaxed fit v neck raglan sweater is decorated with mock cable panels of twisted stitches at centre front and back and down the sleeves. A deep twisted rib completes the hems and neckband.
The sweater is knitted top down in one piece, initially back and forth with increases for body, sleeve and neck shaping until the v neck is joined in the round to complete the yoke. The work is then divided for sleeves and body, which are knitted downwards in the round.
Skill level Intermediate. There is no seaming in this garment. The panel is worked with twisted stitches from a chart or written instructions. No cable needle is needed. There are tutorials at the end for cable cast on across a gap, twisted stitches and stretchy bind-off.

Sizing: The pattern is described in nine sizes, XS to 5XL.
Finished measurements (after blocking)
Finished Bust Circumference 84.5, 93.5, 104.5, 113.5, 124.5] {135.5, 144.5, 155.5, 164.5} cm 33.25, 36.75, 41.25, 44.75, 49] {53.25, 57, 61.25, 64.75} in.
For a relaxed fit, choose a size 7.5-12.5cm (3-5in) above the wearer’s actual bust circumference.
The photo shows size 2 worn with about 4 inches/10 cm of ease.

Yarn is West Yorkshire Spinners Fleece DK 100% British Bluefaced Leicester wool, 225m/246yards per 100g skein. 4, 5, 5, 5, 6] {7, 7, 8, 8} skeins. This includes an extra 5% approximately to allow for swatching and slight differences in gauge.
This yarn has four plies and a round cross section giving excellent stitch definition. To substitute other yarns, look for something with a smooth surface and solid colour to show off the twisted stitch pattern well. A heathered colour would also work but avoid a self-patterning yarn or one with neps.
Garment is shown in colourway Forest.

The garment uses approximately 840, 930, 1020, 1120, 1230] {1370, 1510, 1670, 1770}m 920, 1020, 1120, 1230, 1340] {1500, 1650, 1817, 1932} yds of yarn.