This unisex pullover is worked in pieces from the bottom hems up to the shoulders. The front and back are then seamed together, and the sleeves are seamed and then set into the armhole openings. The sleeves are worked with a cabled saddle shoulder, which continues up the center of the sleeves and up to the collar. Hems, cuffs and collar are worked with a 2 x 2 ribbing. The body of the sweater and the sleeves are worked with stylized staghorn cable patterns and seed stitch.

Note that the cable patterns are presented in CHART FORM ONLY. I opted to knit the ribbing using the same size needle as the rest of the body to keep it more relaxed. If you prefer a more snugly-fitting ribbing, consider dropping down a needle size (or two). Sample is shown in size 39 ¾” (101 cm) with approximately 1 ¾” of positive ease.

If choosing to substitute yarn, select one with a sturdy twist and minimal halo to best show off the cable patterning.

The festival of Yule was an important celebration in the Celtic calendar, celebrating the end of the longest night of the year, and the point where the dark half of the year gives way to the lighter half. This celebration is also recognized today as the Winter Solstice. Celtic celebrations would have included a bonfire and a ceremonial Yule log, which burned throughout the night, to welcome back the longer days and increased light. Other symbols of the celebration included the stag, a manifestation of the horned god Cernunnos, who was thought to inspire moderation and balance during the changing days of dark into light.