Happenchance

DESCRIPTION

Happenchance is a contiguous top-down V-neck cardigan that combines a classic grandpa-cardigan look with hidden details. The back of the garment features an elaborate cable pattern that makes a striking contrast to the simpler front. The cardigan also includes practical forethought pockets cleverly concealed within the deep ribbing at the hem. A wide shawl collar frames the neckline, keeping your neck warm while adding a touch of casual sophistication. Subtle A-line shaping creates a comfortable and relaxed fit.

The name Happenchance is a portmanteau of 'happenstance' and 'chance', reflecting the idea of something unpredictable occurring. The cardigan captures that spirit: Happenchance is a versatile piece that combines comfort and style with a bit of the unexpected.

Designed for intermediate to advanced knitters, Happenchance comes in 10 sizes from XS to 6X. Row-by-row checklists for the contiguous shaping as well as instructions for vertical bust shaping are included. The pattern is written with metric and US terminology, and provides both written and charted instructions for the cable pattern.

Share your project on Instagram with the hashtags #happenchancecardigan and #talviknits.

SIZING

• XS (S, M, L, XL) [2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X]
• To fit upper bust circumference of approx. 71 (82, 92, 102, 112) [122, 132, 142, 153, 163] cm / 28 (32¼, 36¼, 40¼, 44) [48, 52, 56, 60¼, 64¼]"
• Finished full bust circumference: approx. 84 (94, 104, 119, 129) [139, 145, 153, 166, 176] cm / 33 (37, 41, 46¾, 50¾) [54¾, 57, 60¼, 65¼, 69¼]" or adjustable

Choose a size based on upper bust circumference (measured at the underarm level above any breast tissue) and cross-chest distance (measured across the front chest from one underarm crease to the other).

This size-inclusive cardigan is intended to be worn with approx. 5 cm / 2" of positive ease at bust and approx. 7.5 cm / 3" at hip.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to find test knitters for sizes 4X–6X. If you'd like to knit any of these sizes, I would be happy to provide you the pattern free of charge in exchange for your feedback. Contact me for more information!

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

See last photo.

GAUGE

• 20 sts × 32 rows = 10 cm / 4" in stockinette on larger needles, blocked
• 30 sts × 32 rows = 10 cm / 4" in cable pattern on larger needles, blocked
• 22 sts × 33 rows = 10 cm / 4" in 2×2 ribbing on smaller needles, blocked

MATERIALS

Yarn

• Vuonue Elsa (100% wool, 360 m/100 g, 394 yd/3.53 oz) or Recycled Elsa (70% new wool, 30% recycled wool, 360 m/100 g, 394 yd/3.53 oz), 3 (4, 4, 5, 5) [6, 6, 6, 7, 7] skeins in medium gray
• Or sport-weight yarn, approx. 1080 (1220, 1350, 1520, 1650) [1800, 1920, 2090, 2370, 2490] m / 1180 (1330, 1470, 1660, 1800) [1970, 2100, 2290, 2590, 2730] yd

Needles

• 4.0 mm / US #6 circular needles for stockinette and cables (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• 3.0 mm / US #2½ circular needles for 2×2 ribbing
• If not working in magic loop, double-pointed needles in the same sizes for the sleeves

Notions

• 6 stitch markers: 4 shaping markers + 2 cable markers
• 2 locking stitch markers (optional)
• Cable needle
• Waste yarn for pocket openings
• Waste yarn, extra cable, or circular needle for holding sleeve stitches
• Darning needle
• 8 (8, 8, 8, 8) [9, 9, 9, 9, 9] buttons approx. 1.5–2 cm /
½–¾" in diameter

TECHNIQUES USED

The pattern uses the following techniques: cables, right- and left-leaning lifted and strand increases, provisional cast-on, right- and left-leaning decreases, stretchy bind-off, picking up stitches, German short rows, and one-row buttonholes.

REFERENCES

• Lifted, Invisible, and Median Increases
• An Easy Trick to Remembering M1R and M1L Increases
• 6+1 Provisional Cast-on Methods
• Vertical Bust Darts
• Horizontal (Short Row) Bust Darts
• Improved Stretchy Bind-off for 2×2 Ribbing
• Comparison of 20 Stretchy Bind-off Methods
• Avoiding Underarm Holes in Knitting
• German Short Rows
• How to Knit One-row Buttonholes in 2×2 Ribbing
• Three-needle Bind-off