I wanted a pullover that felt easy and chunky and cozy without being bulky, and this is where I landed. Quick and simple knitting in beautiful yarn with a bit of detail to keep it fun. I used a needle one size larger than I usually do with Nest and worked Mackeson at a subtly larger gauge - making for a quick knit and easier cablework!

Mackeson features a thick, rounded motif with beautiful lines on both body and sleeves. The chunky nature of the cable I used is balanced by delicate garter stitch ribs and surrounded by stockinette panels. A loose fit makes the sweater easy to throw on, and the deep collar with a faux button detail adds a touch of polish to the whole thing.

My favorite moment in the finished pullover might be the view from the side, where the sleeve cable hits the cuff and those buttons on the collar is visible. Knit in this deep and perfect navy blue, it’s traditional and nautical and would be right at home in a dark bar or pub along the English coast!

Mackeson is worked from the bottom up in the round. The body is then split into front and back at armholes. The front and back pieces are worked flat from armhole to shoulders and seamed together. Once seamed, collar and sleeve stitches are picked up around neckline and armhole openings and worked in the round to end.

If you are looking for one of my sweaters suitable for a less experienced cable knitter, this is a good pattern for you! The larger gauge, a limited number of cables, and lots of stockinette make for a great knit on which to practice. Plus, modifications for fit on Mackeson can be done without touching the charted sections.

As always, the cable instructions are both written and charted out and notes are in the pattern at places you may want to modify your sweater for a personal fit.

Sizes
35(39.75,43.5,46.5)(50.25,54,58.75)(62.5,67.25,72.5)” 89(101,110.5,118.5)(127.5,137.25,149.25)(158.75,170.75,184)cm.

Sizes reflect circumference around sweater body at bust and are based on final, blocked fabric. Sweater shown worn with 5”/12.75cm of positive ease, based on bust, and a short length.

Yardage per size
1000(1100,1200,1300)(1350,1400,1500)(1600,1700,1800)yds 915(1005,1100,1190)(1235,1280,1370)(1465,1555,1645)m

Worsted-weight yarn needed. Note that I am knitting worsted weight yarn on a US#8/5mmneedle, for a larger gauge than usual (18sts per 4”/10cm).

Sample is knit in the Twilight Dark colorway. This is a hand-dyed yarn, so try to purchase the entire quantity you will need at once to ensure skeins will match.

Small typo in chart legend was fixed. Reverse stockinette should be purled on RS, knit on WS.