It can be a fool’s game to try to predict what will be a hit with knitters. So-called wildfire knits can take on a life of their own. This was certainly the case with my Aidez cardigan, a free pattern that has been knit thousands of times. When I try to dissect the appeal, I land on a few key points. The basic construction is blessedly simple, and the neck-hugging shawl collar is universally flattering. Secondly, it was an easy knit. Macro cables were speedy and dramatic when knit with a round, outsized yarn.

It felt wonderful to revisit these elements here with a buoyant hand-dyed merino. I’ve simplified the back, which is now a clean swath of moss stitch, putting all focus on the deeply tactile plaited cables on each front. These dramatic braids are flanked by a simple column of easy lace.