Folded Squares Cardigan
I recently visited one of my favorite sources of inspiration: Kinokuniya, a remarkable Japanese bookstore in midtown Manhattan. There, I unearthed Tomoko Nakamichi’s beautiful and aptly titled sewing book, “Pattern Magic 2.” And at that moment, the seed for our Folded Squares Cardigan was planted!
Under the intriguing heading, “Wearing a Square,” Nakamichi outlines a pattern for a cardigan that consists of a big “T” with its outer top corners folded inward. Gears turning, I set out to try the template in knitted form, using garter stitch and Habu Textile’s incredible Dyed Bamboo.
The pattern may seem a bit like origami, but instead of crisp, angular paper, Dyed Bamboo is more like a jellyfish! As lovely as it is amorphous, this yarn tends to expand and shift and have a life of its own.
And although this makes securing exact measurements a bit challenging, I encourage you to embrace this yarn and silhouette for what it is: an easy-to-make, incredibly slinky, soft, and elegant affair! – Kristy
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Kristina McGowan. Click here to see even more of Kristina’s designs!
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoFoldedSquaresCardigan, and #PurlSohoBurnish. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 2 skeins of Habu’s Dyed Bamboo, 100% bamboo; approximately 850, (930, 1090, 1180, 1275, 1375) yards required. I used the color Silver.
OR
- 3 (3, 4, 4, 4, 4) skeins of Purl Soho’s Burnish, 100% rayon from bamboo; approximately 850, (930, 1090, 1180, 1275, 1375) yards required.
You will also need…
- US 4 (3.5 mm), 24, 32- or 47-inch circular needles
Please Note: Habu’s Dyed Bamboo and Burnish are no longer available but choose from one of our other sport weight yarns. And be sure to check your gauge!
Gauge
Before blocking: 24 stitches and 44 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch
After blocking: 20 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch
Stitch and row counts given in the pattern reflect final measurements after blocking.
Note: Whatever yarn you use to make this pattern, be sure to block your swatch and make sure you’re getting the correct ‘after blocking’ gauge.
Sizes
NOTE For help picking a size, please check out our Understanding Ease + Selecting Size Tutorial!
34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54)
- Finished Chest Circumference: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54) inches
- Length from Underarm to Bottom Edge: 9 (9, 9 ½, 9 ½, 9 ½, 9 ½) inches
- Length from Underarm to Bottom Sleeve Edge: 6 ¾ (6 ¾, 7 ¼, 7 ¼, 7 ¼, 7 ¼) inches
SAMPLE: Size 38
Notes
A garter stitch “ridge” is a horizontal corrugation formed by knitting two rows. Counting ridges is an easy way to determine how many rows you have knit without having to count as you work. If you find this confusing, just multiply the number of ridges given by two, and that is how many rows you should knit. For example, 40 ridges is 80 rows.
Bind off all stitches as follows: *K2tog tbl (through the back loop), place stitch back on left needle, repeat from *.
Pattern
Fronts and Back
Cast on 260 (270, 290, 300, 310, 320) stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Knit every row until you have 40 (45, 50, 54, 58, 63) garter stitch ridges [see Notes, above].
Divide Fronts and Back
Bind off 90 (90, 95, 95, 95, 95) stitches for Left Front, knit until there are 80 (90, 100, 110, 120, 130) stitches on right needle for Back, join second ball of yarn and bind off remaining 90 (90, 95, 95, 95, 95) stitches for Right Front. Cut the yarn and pull it through the remaining stitch.
Continue Back
Knit every row over center 80 (90, 100, 110, 120, 130) stitches until you have 81 (81, 85, 85, 85, 85) garter ridges from the bind-off rows.
Bind off all stitches. Cut yarn and pull it through the remaining stitch.
Sleeves
Note: Make two identical sleeves.
Cast on 60 (60, 66, 66, 66, 66) stitches.
Knit every row until you have 30 (30, 33, 33, 33, 33) garter ridges.
Row 1 (right side): K1, slip 1, k1, psso (pass slipped stitch over), knit to last 2 stitches, slip stitch just worked back to left needle and pass second-to-last stitch over and off needle, slip stitch back to right needle, knit last stitch. [2 stitches decreased]
Row 2: Knit.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until 4 stitches remain.
Next Row (right side): K1, k2tog, k1. [3 stitches]
Next Row: K1, k2tog. [2 stitches]
Next Row: k2tog. [1 stitch]
Cut yarn and pull it through last stitch.
Finish
Weave in ends and block all three pieces. Block by submerging them fully in water, gently squeezing out the excess water, and laying them flat to dry (shaping to finished measurements).
With the wrong sides facing up, position the top points of each Sleeve under each side of the “T,” as shown in the schematic in the Notes section, above.
Starting at the base of one Sleeve point, whipstitch the Sleeve’s top point to the underside of the T-shape, shown in the schematic as a bold line.
Sew the Sleeve’s underside seams together. For tips, visit our Seaming Garter Stitch Tutorial.
Fold the Cardigan along the schematic’s dotted lines and whipstitch the body’s side seams to finish.
Weave in the ends and enjoy your Folded Squares Cardigan!
¡¡Gracias y mil gracias por el patrón!! Fácil, rápido y precioso. Algo así buscaba desde hace tiempo. Felicidades por tus trabajos.
Hola Cande! Yo también buscaba algún patrón de chaqueta de este estilo. Es verdaderamente fácil de tejer? Con qué tipo de hilo lo has tejido? Gracias!
BegoÑa
Hello,
I’d like to make this cardigan in a large slightly oversized fit. Would using Size 5 needles with Shibui Linen work? When making a gauge swatch, I was right on with the recommended size 4 needles.
Hi Alie, what gauge were you getting? Thanks, Kristy
I love the idea of using Anzula’s for Better or Worsted. Would you recommend changing the needle size? Thanks!
Hi Meg,
The suggested gauge for the For Better or Worsted is 18 to 20 stitches = 4″ on size 4-7 needles. For the cardigan, you’ll be working to match the pattern’s after blocked gauge and I would recommend trying a swatch on a size 6 or 7 and seeing how close you get, should be pretty close!
Kristy
Can you tell me the bust size of the model. I see she is wearing the 38″ sample just trying to gauge how much ease if any she is showing.
Hi Olivia,
Our model has a bust of 34C. Hope this helps!
Kristy
I am wondering if I can substitute lace yarn for the bamboo? Also I’m a 3rd & wonder how much I need to do to the pattern.
Hi Sharon,
Substituting a different yarn for the pattern is not a problem, but in order to get the measurements outlined in the pattern, you’ll need to make sure that you’re getting the same after-blocked gauge.
Best, Kristy
How do you keep the bottom opening edge from curling up? How do you keep that edge squared off? This looks great and luxurious!
Hi Louri, thanks!
The great thing about garter stitch (knitting every row) is that the resulting fabric doesn’t tend to curl and you can maintain a nice square edge. Hope this helps!
Kristy
I’ve been looking for simple and elegant pattern for the sport yarns I’ve saved over the years. This one is fit like into my basket 🙂 I definitely will knit this one up for this fall. Thanks so much for sharing.
How many skeins of your Mulberry Merino would it take to knit the size 38?
Hi Katie,
The Mulberry Merino has great yardage (247 per skein), and my best guess is that you’d need about 4 skeins to make a size 38.
With my best,
Kristy
I want to make this in a yarn i already have with similar gauge.
I have 1370 yards and two skeins of the yarn used is 1520 yards. Can you give me an idea of the actual yardage used?
Hi Kathy,
The estimated yardage needed for sizes 34 (38, 42) is 850 (930, 1090), so you should be in good shape with what you have!
Best,
Kristy
Thanks for the quick response! Having the actual yardage used is a big help for me and hopefully for others.
Hi, absolutely, Kathy! We just provided a few additional sizes, and the yardage for those would be:
sizes 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54): 850, (930, 1090, 1180, 1275, 1375) yards
Kristy
i have spun some 2-ply DK wt yarn and am looking for a pattern that I think will go with this yarn. I think size 7 needles will be right for this yarn. What do you suggest?
Hi Judy,
That’s great that you spin your own yarn! A useful thing to do might be to knit up a swatch of the yarn using a size 7 needle (if you think that would be the best match) and to see how many stitches and rows you are getting per inch. For this pattern, you’ll need to follow the after blocked gauge provided. Please let me know if you have any additional questions and I’m sending good luck!
Kristy
Hey,
What kind of cast-on did you use for this project? I usually use the long-tail cast on, but I’m not sure it’d be the best given the number of stitches one has to cast on. Thanks!
Hi Megan,
In creating the sample, I tried both a long-tail cast on and a provisional cast on (using a length of crocheted chain made from scrap yarn for the provisional). In using the long-tail cast on, given the large number of starting stitches, it might help for you to cast on about 20 stitches and then undo those stitches to see what length of yarn it took to make them. You can then approximate how much more yarn it would take to complete the entire cast on based on those 20. That can be a useful way to ensure that you don’t run short. The provisional cast on is also appealing in that crocheting the initial chain provides a bit more control over things. You’ll definitively know that you have the right amount of stitches at the outset based on the chain you make. I hope this helps — please let us know if you have any additional questions or concerns!
Kristy
Tie the ends from two balls together and do the long tail cast on. When you’ve finished casting on snip one of the yarns and you’re done. Once the piece is done just weave the ends in where the knot is.
Neat idea — thanks, Sara!
Hi –
The sweater is beautiful and I can’t wait to knit it. Ordering my yarn today. What cast on method did you use for this sweater? I noticed that Megan asked, but I didn’t read it in the response. Thank you!
Hi Angela, thanks!
In creating the sample and swatching, I tried both a long-tail cast on and a provisional cast on. I used a long-tail cast on for the body and tried a provisional cast on for the sleeves, thinking that I might want to adjust the final length of the sleeves, which the provisional cast on would allow me to do. You can undo a provisional cast on and continue knitting, adding length if you desire. This would also be true for the body, where you could adjust the fronts and make them longer and perhaps overlap if you’d like. I did this just to experiment with the sample. You do not have to use a provisional cast on and the cast method you choose is entirely your choice. I hope this helps! Thanks for writing in!
Kristy
I read through the comments and didn’t see a note about altering the length of the sweater (sorry if I missed it).
If I am looking at this correctly, you’d need to cast on fewer stitches (taking away from the 90 stitches on each end that become the fronts) and then also reduce the total number of rows knit on the center 80 stitches (the back) by some number to equal the reduced length of the fronts.
Am I close?
Any advice on figuring out how many reduced stitches (fronts length) would equal the reduced rows (back length)? Perhaps it would be easy enough to figure out with a blocked swatch (figure out how many stitches and rows per inch and then do the math?)
Thanks for any help with this.
Hi Kirstin,
The length of the sweater is indeed determined by the width of your initial cast on, which is a fixed number since the fronts fold over and the side edges become the bottom edges and are not live stitches, and therefore not adjustable. The helpful thing is that since you work the center Back stitches from the top down, you have complete control over the final length of the Back and can easily work the center Back stitches to match whatever revised length you establish for the Fronts. Does this make sense? A useful starting point in making such adjustments, just as you suggest, would be to create a swatch, to then block that swatch and have a crystal clear sense of your stitch and row gauge at the outset, and to then coordinate the reduction of cast on stitches with the rows worked for the center Back. Let me know if any of this isn’t clear! I would welcome any additional questions you may have! Kristy
Thank you!
You confirmed what I thought would be the way to make the length adjustment. I love this pattern. I think it would be a perfect addition to a travel wardrobe when you need a handy layer for cold airplanes, and windy cities.
Hi Kirstin! I’m so glad! And I love the idea of the cardigan as a piece to take on the plane or when traveling — that sounds perfect! I send my best and thanks for writing in!
Kristy
So do I get a badge for being the first to finish this? 😀 my project page and photos are up on Ravelry now.
Hi Stitchpunk! You absolutely do get a badge! Bravo! You did a really beautiful job! Thanks so much for posting the photos!
Kristy
Hi,
Should the gauge swatch be 4 in. x 4 in.? I’m trying to work with Loops & Thread Woolike Yarn that I have because it knits so well and is nice and soft but the gauge swatch that I made ended up being 3 in. across x 3.5 in. down. Any suggestions as to how to adjust? I used the same number of stitches and rows as the unblocked swatch and used size 4 needles as well. Thank you!
Hello Ally,
How many stitches are you getting per inch? It sounds like your gauge is more dense than the pattern is requiring, which could mean that you are a slightly tighter knitter than our pattern knitter was! No problem though, I would suggest you use a larger size needle and then measure again. Start with US 5 and see what you get. Here is our tutorial on measuring and making a gauge swatch: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2006/08/29/swatching-for-gauge/ Take a look! Happy Knitting! -Alyson
After checking, I noticed that I am still officially on your mailing list. However, I have not received any communication from Purlbee since June. Could you please check on this for me and re-activate. I really miss hearing from from you.
Regards
Hi J.Marchant, I will check to make sure you’re on our mailing list and please let us know if you don’t start receiving our emails and newsletters soon!
How many grams does your sample size weigh (i.e. how much yarn did you actually use?) I just purchased 4 skeins of your Mulberry Merino and I’m wondering if I have enough to make the smallest size (34) sweater. Thank you. I can’t wait to start!
Hello Julie!
We used approximately 840 yards for the size 38 sweater. Since you have over 980 yards of Mulberry Merino, you should have plenty!
Enjoy and happy knitting! -Alyson
This pattern is elegant. Yarn lovely but beyond my budget. I used Noro sock yarn to create my sweater from this pattern. It turned out lovely. Instead of counting ridges since vastly different gauge, I used your measurements. Worked up perfectly. Thank you for sharing your tallent and patterns with us. I am posting photo in my raverly projects if you would like to see it. Thus far it will be a private post. Thank you so much for your kindness and sharing.
Dear Kati,
I’m so glad that your cardigan turned out well! I very much look forward to seeing the photos of it! Thanks for posting them and for writing!
Sending my best,
Kristy
I’m dyeing up some DK weight 100% alpaca this weekend to start a second one, because I love the 1st one so much 🙂 also I think it will be an interesting experiment to compare the alpaca version with the wool blend one in terms of drape and fit.
hi there,
I absolutely love this pattern! Was just wondering if you think this would work in the Karin Oberg Kalinka yarn?
Many thanks,
Chrissie
Hi Chrissie!
The nice thing about the simplicity of this pattern is that it lends itself well to a variety of yarn types, & the Kalinka would certainly be one of them. I’ve worked a bit with the Kalinka and think that the cardigan would be lovely made in it. It is a much different animal than the bamboo that was used for the sample — in terms of drape and feel — the bamboo is far more slinky. But especially after the linen is blocked, it is elegant and has a beautiful drape of its own — not to mention that the colors it comes in are glorious. It is an exciting idea for sure! Best to you and good luck!
Kristy
What is the weight of this yarn? I’m a new-ish knitter. I have knit several scarves/shawls and hats. I would like to attemp a sweater and this one is beautiful. I’m trying to use up the yarn I have, so I’m trying to understand the weight of this yarn (DK, fingering?) so I can choose a correct replacement.
Hi Jennifer,
The Habu Bamboo is a dk/sport weight, and tends to expand a bit after it is blocked. Your best guide in choosing a substitute yarn would be to try to match the post-blocked gauge of 20 stitches x 36 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch as closely as possible. Do you have a particular yarn in mind? The pattern would work well using a large variety. Please feel free to check back in with us and ask any further questions you may have as you swatch and find the yarn you’d like to use!
Kristy
Hello!
Is it possible to knit this using straight needles? Or are the circular needles required?
Thanks!
Hi Nina!
Because of the large number of stitches that you’ll need to cast on, a circular needle would indeed be the best way to go. Straight needles simply won’t allow you to carry the number of stitches you’ll need. I hope this helps and thanks for writing!
Kristy
I’d like to knit this in the Purl Soho Worsted Twist. What adjustments to the pattern do I need to make to do this? I am also not sure how many skeins of the Purl Soho Worsted Twist I’ll need for the 46. What size needle would you recommend? And while I am at – one more question: What is the best way to determine my size? Is it simply measuring my bust? Thank you! Your help is greatly appreciated!
Dawn
Hi Dawn,
The pattern would not be difficult to knit in the Worsted Twist and for the size 46, you would need approximately 1180 yards or 7 skeins. Since the gauge will be different than the bamboo that we used for the sample, I would recommend knitting up a 4″ square swatch in the Worsted Twist in garter stitch (on a size 7 needle) to see what your stitch gauge is and once we know that, we can figure out how many stitches you would need to cast on and could go from there.
For sizing, I would start with your bust size and use it as a guide. The cardigan is drapey and not form-fitting, but if you work the size that will encompass your bust, it will help ensure that the cardigan will close in the front. I hope this helps and look forward to working with you to make the needed adjustments!
Kristy
Love this pattern!! Made it for myself first in classic elite vista looked and felt great. Made it for presents in the bamboo WONDERFUL lovely drop and flow with the bamboo. Thanks again Purl Soho for your simplistic genius.
I really want to knit this sweater, but my attention span on such a fine yarn with small needles isn’t going to work. What yarn that is bulkier and quicker to knit do you suggest?
Hi Vicki,
It would have a different look and feel than the sample, which because of the bamboo drapes in a rather slinky way, but our Worsted Twist and Worsted Twist Heather would also be a beautiful yarn to use for the pattern and would provide the bulkier weight you’re looking for. Please let us know if you have any further questions and thanks for writing in!
Kristy
Thoughts on using Karin Oberg Kalinka for this?? The colors are amazing!
Hi Erica!
The Kalinka would be a beautiful choice! It is slightly finer than the Habu bamboo used for the sample, and you may find that you need to go down a needle size from a 4 to a 3, depending on your tension. If you have any questions as you work the piece or if you need to adjust things in any way, please just let us know. Thanks for writing!
Kristy
i love this pattern, and am wondering if it could be easily adapted to a crochet project? would this be something you would be interested in translating over to crochet? or if it would be simple enough, offer suggestions? thank you in advance!!
Hi Angelena,
It shouldn’t be too hard to create a crocheted version of the pattern! Your fabric will be denser, but the shapes shouldn’t be too difficult to replicate. The Body/Fronts piece is essentially a large “T”. What you could try is working up a swatch of single crochet, a good 4 x 4 inch square and seeing how many stitches and rows you are getting per inch. With those numbers in hand, we could figure out, based on the size you’d like to make, how many stitches you would need to cast on to start. For the sleeves, you could try following the instructions for the knitted version and decrease 2 stitches (one stitch on each end) every right side row to shape the point of the sleeves, and this should work. Please keep us posted as you progress! We’re here to help and answer any questions you may have along the way!
Kristy
Hi Kristina –
I love this sweater! I have 9 skeins of Ella Rae Classic Sport that I would like to use. There is 164 yds per skein. What are your thoughts on needle size and if I have enough yarn?
Thanks
Marsha
Hi Marsha!
With 1476 yards, you should definitely have enough yarn, even to make the largest size. The suggested needle size for the Ella Rae Classic Sport is 5-6, and you’ll probably do well with either of those sizes. What you could do is knit up a swatch and see what your gauge is (how many stitches and rows you’re getting per inch) and how closely it comes to the one given in the pattern, as there may be adjustments you’ll need to make in order to get the right size. Please feel free to run these numbers by us or write back if you have any further questions at all! Good luck!
Kristy
Hi Kristy, sorry if this is a duplicate, wasn’t sure my last question went through. My swatch was perfect, so I am ready to go. Would you suggest doing the 42 or 46 size if my bust measurement is 42.5. Thanks!
Marsha
Hello, Marsha!
Thank you for writing in! Sorry for the terribly delayed response! I recommend doing the 46″. The garter does tends to contract a bit and I think those extra inches would be lovely. If you have further questions, please let us know!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Hello Purl Soho! What a great pattern! I am not sure if you have already answered this question in any of your other patterns, I have difficulties in undestanding the term “blocking”. You mean knit a sample square , let’s say, wash it , leave it dry and see if the measurements are different that before washed? does this determine the size we choose to knit? (I mean rather than our actual size?)
I was desperately trying to find a pattern that I could actually knit ( cause I’m not advanced at all as you can tell) and now that I found one I am afraid of not making the right decisions and end up with a completely different knit that the one I’ll be knitting.
Last but not least, would you see this pattern knit in a cheapper alternatine yarn of the same thickness of the one you used?
Thank you in advance !! Greetings from Greece!
Hello, Iliana!
Thank you so much for writing in! I am terribly sorry for the delayed response! I think that this cardigan is a great knit for anyone, regardless of experience/ability. So, you can totally do this!
Blocking is just a technique that gently eases, stretches, or redistributes stitches in a finished knit piece. For example, if you were to knit a scarf or a sweater and it looked uneven or wonky you could block it to make your fabric even. We’ve got a really wonderful blocking tutorial here that highly recommend!
We gave two gauges for this pattern, one blocked and one unblocked. This is because we used a natural fiber (bamboo) and natural fibers tend to behave differently from synthetic fibers once washed. Washing may not affect a synthetic fiber but it does tend to tighten up natural fibers.
So, as you correctly noted, you’ll knit up a sample swatch, then you’ll measure that. If you’re gauge matches the patterns (Before blocking: 24 stitches x 44 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch) go ahead and block it. If it does not, you’ll want to adjust your needle size until you get the correct gauge. Once you’ve achieved the correct gauge, block it and measure it. You should end up with the same blocked gauge as the pattern, 20 stitches x 36 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch.
The sizes that we have listed are of the final, blocked cardigan; so, I would choose the size that is closest to what you would normally wear.
I am not sure what size you’ll be making but the estimated yardage of yarn that we used for sizes 34 (38, 42) is 850 (930, 1090). So, which ever yarn you choose, make sure you have enough yardage. Some cheaper alternatives to the Bamboo include:
Cascade Ultra Pima (this one will have a similar drape to the Bamboo).
Purl Soho’s Mulberry Merino (This one will have similar sheen to the Bamboo).
Tosh Merino Light (This one will give a more structured look to the cardigan, but gives you the most yardage for the price).
If you have further questions, please let us know! Again, thank you for your questions!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Hi Kristina-
I am using Cascade 220 Super wash and a size 5 needle. I’m just about done with the back, per the pattern. However, I’m taller than average (6’2″), so I think I need to make it a bit longer. The problem is that the fronts may be too short. I did a provisional cast on, so I can go back and add width to the fronts, but not length. I also intend to add quite a few rows to the sleeves. What do you suggest as a possible solution to add length to the fronts? I’m worried now!
Hi Anne,
At 6′ tall, I very much sympathize with you in the challenges of finding the right lengths! What size are you making? This pattern does lock you in a bit at the outset with Body length. And although it’s not an ideal solution, I have seen lovely examples of people simply picking up stitches after the Body is finished and knitting extra length in garter stitch that way. The direction of your garter will of course not be the same, but the stitch is forgiving enough that the addition can still look of apiece and purposeful. I hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any further questions, and thanks for writing with this one!
Kristy
Thanks for your prompt reply! I am doing a size 42. I had considered picking up stitches, so I’m glad that’s an option. This is the very reason that this is my first sweater, although I have been knitting for 15 years! I am always afraid I will end up with something much smaller than intended, even if I swatch and measure. My daughter has quite a wardrobe of clothing that is never quite long enough for me! Thanks for your advice.
Anne
hi,
i was wondering if you have this pattern for the size 32.
and also, if you dont, would a 34 look huge on me if i am 32?
thanks
Hi Amelie,
Thanks for writing! Although we don’t have the pattern available in a size 32, the 34 should still work well! The cardigan is intended to be loose fitting and the extra two inches should not be a problem! Good luck and please don’t hesitate to write with any further questions!
Kristy
I would like to use our PurlSoho line weight for this. I’m wondering if it can be used as n easy substitute or if I would need to “double” the yarn to get the correct gauge. Thanks!
Hi Katrina,
Line Weight should work well as a substitute for the Habu bamboo for this cardigan and you may just have to experiment a bit with needle size in order to match the gauge. The Line Weight has a gauge of 6-8 stitches per inch on size 1-6 needles and the Habu bamboo has a gauge of 5-7 stitches per inch on size 2-5 needles. You should not have to double the yarn in order to match the gauge, but you will want to make sure that you aim to get the “after blocking” gauge provided in the pattern. The bamboo’s gauge tends to change considerably more prior to blocking than the Line Weight does. I hope this helps and please let us know if you have any further questions! Thanks for writing!
Kristy
Out of curiosity- why is this yarn so expensive when it is made out of bamboo? Thanks!
Hi Adela,
One guess would be that the Dyed Bamboo (from Habu Textiles) is a larger than normal hank of yarn (approximately 700 yards). I will also say it’s also soft and beautiful and lovely to work with. Thanks a lot for your interest and for writing in!
Kristy
I have a couple of questions. The original material called for is bamboo. Bamboo has its own weight and I wondered if that weight helped the cardigan sit well. If I were to use a lighter weight material, say silk and marino, would it fall as nicely as the bamboo?
I am a small person. Only 5’2″ and a size 2 dress. How do I adjust the pattern so that the cardigan doesn’t come out too long on me and reduce the bust measurement to fit a small person?
Hi Debra,
Thanks for writing and very sorry for the delayed response! Although the bamboo yarn does have a lovely weight and drape, we’ve also had customers substitute other yarns for this project with great success, silk and merino blends among them! A good place to see other completed projects would be on Ravelry (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/folded-squares-cardigan).
We don’t have the pattern available in a size 32, but other customers who are also that size have been able to make the 34 and have it work. The cardigan is intended to be loose fitting and the extra two inches should not make a big difference! I hope this helps! Good luck and please don’t hesitate to write with any further questions!
Kristy
The construction of this looks interesting! What do you think of using Woolfolk Sno as a substitute to the bamboo yarn? Thanks!
Hi Carol,
Thanks for the kind words! I think Woolfolk Sno would be a fabulous substitution! Especially for the winter!
Best,
Adam
Hi there. Can you tell me approximately how much yards/ meters are in one skein of he Habu Dyed Bamboo yarn .
Thanks!
Hi Simone,
Thanks for writing in! One skein of the Habu Bamboo contains approximately 700 yards or 640 meters. To get the details on any of the yarns that we carry, you can go to the product page (here: https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/knitting-crochet/dyed-bamboo-xs-24b.html) for that yarn and click on the Products Details tab and you will find the yardage, gauge and other details.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I’m very interested in making this cardigan but would like to use a yarn that will be warmer. I’d like to maintain the drapiness and am not so concerned about the sheen (as nice as it is with the bamboo yarn). Are you able to recommend a alternate yarn or yarns that would result in a warmer cardigan but still have that beautiful drape.
Many thanks,
Cher
Hi Cher,
Thank you for writing in! I suggest Purl Soho Spun Silk or Anzula – Squishy. Both will give you a similar effect but will be much warmer. Thanks again!
-Adam
In an earlier inquiry, Adam recommended Anzula Squishy as a substitute for the Bamboo yarn which will give a similar drape but is a warmer yarn. Given the different gauges listed (Dyed Bamboo 5-7 stitches per inch vs Anzula Squishy 7.5 stitches per inch) and the different suggested needle sizes (Bamboo US 2-5 vs Squishy US 2), I’d like to confirm that I should be using the US 2 knitting needle size with the Anzula Squishy? Also, I intend on making the size 38 and would like to confirm that I should be purchasing 3 skeins of the Squishy? Not at all sure of the yarn substitution process! Thanks for your help.
Hello Cher,
Thank you for reaching out! If you are using Squishy, I would use a US 4 as suggested. The most important thing when substituting yarns is getting the correct gauge, so I would also suggest knitting a gauge swatch before jumping in. I hope this clears things up and let us know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Thanks Marilla… and is it 3 skiens for the size 38 in the Squishy?
Hi Cher,
Yes- three skeins should be perfect.
Let us know how it goes!
-Marilla
Would this work in the Linen Quill yarn as a warmer alternative? It has such beautiful colors…
Thank you!
Hi Elana,
Thanks for the question! I think that the Linen Quill would be a wonderful substitution! Glad you like the colors too!
Adam
Hi! Can you help me with the final blocked size of the main ‘T’ piece? I cannot tell from the diagram how long the blocked sweater should be from the base of the ‘T’ to the bottom of the two arms of the ‘T’.
Thank you!
Hi Kim,
Thanks for writing in! Great question! Based on the schematic, the final height of the T from top to bottom will be, 27 (28, 31, 32, 33, 34) inches. To get this number, I added the 3 measurements for each size found along the vertical right hand side of the schematic.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi! I love this pattern, but knitting things is always a bit tricky for me since I have the chest size of a size S but the length of a size L (I’m 6’1” and weigh 130 pounds so you get an idea of what I’m working with.) I made the body of the cardigan appropriately longer, but I’m not sure how to elongate the sleeves. If I know how long they were to begin with, I’d be able to add the appropriate amount of rows for my gauge, but looking at the pattern, I’m just not sure how many rows to add. Help!
Hello Red,
Thanks for writing in! Luckily the answer to your question is quite simple. If you knit the length for the largest size I would knit the sleeve until it has 33 garter ridges before beginning your decreases.
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Warmly,
Marilla
Wondering how to choose the size! I’d love to go with a longer length, will use the above advice to increase the sleeve length for my ape arms. If I choose a large size than I am, will it give me a longer length?? I think this is what I’m understanding based on previous posts. Thank you!
Hi Erica,
Thanks for writing in! The larger size will both give you more length and a wider sweater. Due to the folded nature of the body, lengthening it would require quite a bit of work as you will need to lengthen the tops of the T (as seen in the schematic) as well as the bottom of the T.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Dear Purl Soho
I would like to knit the Folded Square Cardigan but I am based in the UK. Please can you let me which yarn I can use an alternative, please can you tell me what the ply is it 4ply or DK?
I have had a look at the website and I cannot find out. I am from the UK so an alternative would be useful.
Thank you
Many thanks
Claire
Hi Claire,
Thanks for writing in! The Dyed Bamboo that we used here is considered a Sport weight in US yarn sizes which puts it between and 4 ply and a DK weight in UK sizes. I would look for a yarn that knits at the same gauge, here that would be 5 – 7 stitches per inch (heavy 4 ply or a light DK).
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I am fairly new to knitting (I taught myself about a year ago). I noticed in a previous comment that you said the yarn weight in the pattern is DK sport. I typically think of those as two different yarn weights. Does either weight yarn work for following this pattern?
Hello Zach,
Thank you for reaching out! When deciding which yarn weight to go with the most important thing to consider is your gauge. While yarn weights are a helpful guide , there are often variations from yarn to yarn within the same weight. When we say DK sport it essentially means that it is between sport weight and a dk weight, so a heavy sport or a light dk.
I hope this all makes sense and please let me know if I can clarify anything for you!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
trying to figure out this pattern. understand back and sleeves but where are the instructions for the fronts
Hi Betty,
Thanks for writing in! Due to the unusual construction of this lovely cardigan, you knit the back and front at the same time as the same piece. The sleeves are knit separately and then sewn in as shown in the diagram. The whole knit piece is then folded and seemed along the dotted lines noted in the diagram. It can be a bit to wrap your mind around! I would suggest printing the small diagram and folding it along the dotted lines. I find that this helps to make the whole thing understandable.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I would love to make this weather, but don’t want to use bamboo yarn. Can you recommend a yarn that would work equally well?
Hi Suzanna,
Thanks for reaching out! Any fingering weight yarn that drapes well would work for this pattern. I think this would be lovely in our Field Linen or Linen Quill, or Anzula Squishy for something with a bit more warmth.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
thinking about knitting this a bit oversized and and longer into a bathrobe with cotton pure. any suggestions?
Hi Hazel,
Thanks for writing in, and I think that sounds like a wonderful idea! I would definitely recommend checking your gauge since Cotton Pure is slightly heavier than Habu Dyed Bamboo – however, if your gauge does end up slightly bigger, you may be able to just knit the pattern as is with your larger gauge to make the oversized robe you are after!
Best of luck and please let us know how it goes!
Julianna
Hello! Wondering if you have an alternative purl soho yarn recommendation that is soft and similar in drape that may suit someone on a tighter budget? Thank you!
Hello Lauren,
Thank you for reaching out! I think this Cardigan would be beautiful in our Cotton Pure. Cotton Pure is slightly thicker than Habu’s Bamboo so I would definitely knit up a gauge swatch before jumping in.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
Warmly,
Marilla
What a gorgeous pattern! I inherited my late mother’s yarn stash, so what I have is all that I have of her yarns. One of them is Missoni “Charlotte” and I have 776 grams, which I think would come out to be about 930 yards. I know your pattern is for a much lighter weight yarn, but do you think I could make this work if I can get the gauge right? Thanks!
Hello Stephanie,
Thank you for reaching out! I would say if you get your gauge right, go for it. The concern I would put forth is that you will loose the drape of the fabric and it will be to stiff. This could certainly be tested out when you are knitting your gauge.
I hope this helps and let us know how it goes!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Beautiful pattern. Would you consider posting modifications for a cropped version with elbow-length sleeves like the cover of Purl Soho Classics. I would really like to make this as a layer for work but not sure about trying to work out the modifications on my own.
Hello Jennifer,
Thank you for this fantastic suggestion! I will pass along your request. In the mean time, if you are up for a bit of experimenting, it looks like if you just adjust your cast on number you can achieve a cropped version of this sweater.
I hope this helps and happy knitting !
-Marilla
I would like to echo this request. I had some interest in this pattern a couple of years ago but decided that it was too large and drape-y for me. Then today I somehow stumbled upon the Purl Soho Classics photo and tried to figure out the pattern. I was surprised to discover that it was the folded squares cardigan! Your page describing Purl Soho Classics advises non-Japanese readers that the English versions are available, but it’s pretty clear that some modifications were made, both using a different yarn but also a much more cropped style. Maybe it’s exactly the same just a smaller size? I even considered trying to get the Classics and put it through Google translate to try to figure it out. If you could let us know that would be great. Thanks.
Hello Nicole,
Thank you for this thoughtful reply! We will take all of these excellent suggestions into consideration. From what I can tell is that all they did to alter this particular pattern is crop it.
Thank you again for writing us!
Warmly,
Marilla
Hi,
Sorry if this has been asked already. But, do you know how tall the model is?
Thanks,
Melissa
ps I am 5’10 and slender, just wondering what the best option would be for me!?
Hello Melissa,
Thank you for reaching out! I believe the model is around 5’7″ and is wearing the size 38″.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla