This pattern is currently only available as part of A Stitch in Time Volume 3 the colourwork edition.

Folklore is a stunning, Nordic inspired cardigan combining an all-over simple two-colour pattern on the body, with a dramatic colourwork welt which featured traditional dancing figures, birds and hearts as seen in Annichen Sibbern Bøhn’s book “Norwegian Knitting Designs”. First published in English in 1952, this book and the motifs it contained, had a huge impact on knitting pattern design at this time and Folklore is a perfect example of this far reaching influence. The figurative motfs are then interspersed with diamond and cross ‘peerie’ motifs. These motifs are repeated on the sleeves for further added impact. Beautiful tailored details - such as a turned up herm and inset pockets are added, all creating a true heirloom knit.

Our updated version of the Folklore cardigan is knitted in the round, with a centre front steek. It begins with stocking stitch facings at lower edge, turned up and knitted together with the body of the cardigan. The figurative colourwork welt is then worked with pockets cleverly inserted into this section. Once this has been completed, an all-over two-colour motif is worked until the upper body nears completion. At this point, the diamond motifs from the welt are repeated for added impact.

Folklore is knitted in Excelana North fingering weight, the perfect yarn for colour work garments, and is shown here using shades Dark As Night, Alabaster and Coral Lombard.

Susan is shown wearing the 5th size to fit chest measument of 107 cm (42 in) with zero ease.

The pattern includes instructions for 14 sizes to fit chest measurements between 76 - 152cm (30 - 60 in) and contains clear written instructions plus a comprehensive schematic diagram and sizing chart, together with charted colourwork instructions.

A yarn kit is also available containing all the yarn required to knit Folklore.

Yarn
Susan Crawford Excelana North fingering weight
100% British wool, 75% Cheviot, 25% Bluefaced Leicester (159m / 174yds per 50g skein approx)
Yarn A: shade Dark As Night
Yarn B: skeins, shade Alabaster
Yarn C: shade Coral Lombard

Yarn Requirements

6 (7, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10, 11, 11, 12, 12) skeins - Yarn A
4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7) skeins - Yarn B
1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1) skein - Yarn C

Gauge
1st size only
30 sts and 32 rounds = 10cm (4in) over stranded colourwork over Chart E, worked in the round, after blocking. We obtained this gauge using 2.75mm needles.

12th size only
29 sts and 31 rounds = 10cm (4in) over stranded colourwork over Chart E, worked in the round, after blocking. We obtained this gauge using 3mm needles.

2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 13th and 14th sizes only
28 sts and 30 rounds = 10cm (4in) over stranded colourwork over Chart E, worked in the round, after blocking. We obtained this gauge using 3.25mm needles.

If necessary, use an alternative needle size to obtain the correct gauge.

Suggested needles

1st size only
Small needles:
2.25mm (US 1) circular needle (60-80cm in length)
Set of 2.25 (US 1) DPNs
Large needles: 2.75mm (US 2) circular needle (60-80cm in length)
2.75mm (US 2) circular needle (20-40cm in length) or set of 2.75mm (US 2) DPNs

12th size only
Small needles:
2.25mm (US 1) circular needle (80-100cm in length)
Set of 2.25 (US 1) DPNs
Large needles:
3mm (US 2 / 3) circular needle (80-100cm in length)
3mm (US 2 / 3) circular needle (20-40cm in length) or set of 3mm (US 2 / 3) DPNs

2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 13th and 14th sizes only
Small needles:
2.75mm (US 2) circular needle (60-100cm in length)
Set of 2.75 (US 2) DPNs
Large needles:
3.25mm (US 3) circular needle (60-100cm in length)
3.25mm (US 3) circular needle (20-40cm in length) or set of 3.25mm (US 3) DPNs

Notions
Stitch markers and removable stitch markers
Waste yarn or stitch holders
7 (7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8) 1.5 cm (.5 in) buttons

Techniques
Knitting in the round
Following a chart
Stranded colourwork
Steeks
Inserting a sleeve