LASTLONG CARDIGAN


An open, slouchy companion to the Lastlong Pullover, at first glance this garment is not unlike so many others riding the floaty cardigan trend-wave.

But underneath the tranquil fisherman’s rib surface hides an uncommon method of construction, in equal measure eccentric and logical.

Defying conventional construction categories, this pattern is technically both bottom-up and top-down. The cardigan is worked flat in a single piece starting from the back hem and ending with the fronts… a bit like a 2-pronged scarf! Aside from being fun and surprisingly quick, this method also has the technical advantage of creating truly seamless yet shaped shoulders, without disrupting the fisherman’s rib motif.

The result: a traditional-looking cardigan that will make you feel as if you harbour a delicious secret every time you wear it.

A play on words that speaks to the enduring mythologies of fishermen’s rib garments, lastlong 
means cargo ship in Irish Gaelic. I hope it lasts you many long years of enjoyable wear!

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MATERIALS & INFORMATION


Size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
finished and blocked, garment measures as follows
around bodice circumference, with bands overlapping:
95cm/ 38” (107cm/ 43”, 117cm/ 47”, 129cm/ 51.5”, 140cm/ 56”, 151cm/ 60.5”, 160cm/ 64”, 172cm/ 69”)
(note that a minimum of 15cm/ 6” ease is recommended)

Gauge
13 sts x 36 rows = 10cm/ 4” x 10cm/ 4”
in half-fisherman’s rib for main fabric

Needles

4.5mm (US 7) in diameter,
or as needed to meet gauge for main fabric


Yarn
suitable for DK-weight yarns, or equivalent
(approximately 200m/ 100g)


Quantities

with standard DK yarns: 5 (5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7) 100g skeins
unspun wool, or fingering weight yarn held together with mohair, will typically require 100g less

Notions

st markers, measuring tape, tapestry needle, scrap yarn



Techniques

half-fisherman rib (worked flat), short rows, basic seaming

Construction
The body is worked flat in one piece, starting with the back hem and ending with the front hems. Stitches are picked up at underarms, and sleeves are worked top-down. The cardigan is then seamed-up at the sides. The neckband/ buttonband is worked separately and attached to the neckline. Illustrations and diagrams are provided for the various stages of this process. No prior seaming experience is required.

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SAMPLES INFO


Lilac Sample:
Size 3, Relaxed Hem option,
made with WitchCraftyLady Falkland Poldale DK



Sage Green Melange Sample:
Size 4, Cinched Hem option,
made with Honer och Eir Nutiden (held double)



Both of the models shown in the photos are Size 12/14 UK, with chest circumference of 90cm/ 36”