Amalee

A tidy and feminine seamless cardigan, Amalee adds a touch of whimsy with bell sleeve cuffs and a romantic peplum. Worked from the top down using the seamless, simultaneous set-in sleeves method, the silhouette is slightly relaxed with gentle A-line shaping, a flattering hi-hip length, and elegant tubular rib finish. 

Construction: Amalee uses the seamless, simultaneous set-in sleeve method, which allows you to work the back, front and sleeves of a sweater all at one time from the top down, while creating a tailored, set-in sleeve fit. Stitches are cast on for the back, and the back shoulders are shaped with a few short rows to create the shoulder slope; stitches are then picked up for each front shoulder, and shaped with identical short rows. The back and fronts are united, while at the same time stitches are picked up at the shoulder edges for the sleeve caps, and sleeve cap shaping begins. Body and sleeves are worked at the same time, with a deep V neckline, and tailored armhole shaping. When the armhole depth is reached, sleeves are put on hold, while the body is worked straight to the natural waist, then stitches are increased to create the flowing peplum. The hem is finished with an elegant tubular bind off, which will be used again at the cuffs and front edges. Sleeves are then resumed and worked with shaping to the the forearm, then increased to create gentle bell cuffs. The narrow neck & front edging buttonband are worked in rib with easy and discreet tiny yarnover buttonholes, and finished with the tubular bind off.

Techniques & Skills Used: cable CO, backwards loop CO, knit/purl, short rows, picking up stitches, increasing/decreasing, working in the round, simultaneous shaping, tubular BO, grafting. Pattern instructions are fully written, with links to my tutorials.

Size: 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64)” bust; sample shown in fourth size worn with 2” positive ease; for a fitted look in the upper torso with a relaxed A-line shape below as in the sample, choose a size 1-2” larger than your actual bust measurement.

Yarn: Anzula Squishy (80% merino wool, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon; 385 yards/352m/114g), shown in Mercury; 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6) skeins, or approximately 1050 (1125, 1200, 1250, 1375, 1450, 1550, 1675, 1800, 1950, 2075, 2200, 2325) yards of wool or MCN blend fingering weight yarn; consider some cashmere content to provide a luxurious feel.

Other Materials: US 5 (3.75mm) 32-60” circular needle or size to match gauge for body, and US 5 dpns if not using magic loop for sleeves; Spare US 5 60” circular needle for tubular BO; Stitch markers (4); Removable stitch markers (2); Stitch holders (2); Yarn needle; Blunt sewing needle; ½” buttons 9 (10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 11, 11, 11).

Gauge: 21 st and 30 rows/4” in stockinette stitch, after blocking.