For this traditional Aran I have used a very soft cashmere-merino blend that small knights will adore. It is a timeless design that makes the sweater a classic to be handed down through the generations; a true heirloom design.

This sweater would not only have protected Lancelot on his quests, but will keep modern knights warm and cozy both outdoors and indoors throughout the cold season.

This pullover is knit in the round up to the armholes. Then a new ball is joined and back and front are worked at the same time. The shoulder features a classic saddle shoulder.

Sizes

6 (7, 8, 10) (shown in size 8)
Width (one for all sizes): 29.75”
Note: Only one width is given to allow for uninterrupted cables. If you want a narrower sweater for the smaller sizes, use US #6 (4 mm) needles.
Length: 18 (19, 20, 20.75)”

Yarn

Schoeller and Stahl Merino-Cashmere, (72% Merino, 15% polyamid, 13 % cashmere; 110 yd [100 m] / 50 g ball): off-white 0004, 8 (8,9,9) balls.

Needles

US#8 (5 mm): 24” circular needles
US#8 (5 mm): set of 5 DPNs

Gauge

20 sts and 30 rows = 4” in cable pattern

Notions

Stitch marker; cable needle; tapestry needle.

Abbreviations

Please see our standard list of abbreviations.

Chart

Pattern Notes

The pattern repeat is 18 sts, please repeat working sts 1 – 18. The chart shows two additional sts on both the right and left sides of the 18 st repeat — these are just there for a clearer graphical representation.

When working in the round, the first st on rows 1, 25, 29 and 33 will be slipped at the beginning of the round and cabled at the end of the round.

Width is the same for all sizes.  Please see sizing note above if a narrower sweater is desired.

Cuff Pattern: K1, *p4, k2, rep from * until 5 sts rem, p4, k1.

Body

Using the long tail cast on method, CO 162 sts onto circular needle and join to work in the round taking care not to twist.. PM and work 2.5″ in cuff pattern. Start working from chart on Row 1 and work until body measures 11.5 (12.5,13.5,14.25)” from cast-on edge.

Keeping continuity of chart pattern, work 81 sts. Join new ball of yarn and work remaining 81 sts.

You’ll now be working back and forth on both the front and the back at the same time.

Knit until front measures 15.75”, then work the following neck decreases on next RS row: Work 32 sts, cast off 17 sts, join new ball and work remaining 32 sts. Decrease the following at neck opening every other row: 3 sts 0 (0,1,1) times, 2 sts 0 (0,1,1) times and 1 st 1 (1,1,1) time. Cast off rem sts when front measures 16.5,(17.25, 18.25, 19)” , from cast on edge.

There is no neck opening worked on the back. Keep knitting straight until back measures 16.5 (17.25, 18.25, 19)”  from cast on edge. Bind off all sts.

A: 18 (19, 20, 20.75) = total sweater length
F: 16.25 (17.25, 18.25, 19) = body length without shoulder saddle
(only the first number in F is wrong, the others are correct)

Sleeves (make 2)

Using the long tail cast on method, CO 36 (36, 42, 42) sts onto dpns, distribute sts evenly on 4 needles and join to work in the round taking care not to twist.  PM and work 1.5” in cuff patt. Start working from chart on Row 1 and increase 1 st every 5 rows on both sides of marker until you have 68 (68,68,68) sts on the needle. Cont until sleeve measures 11.75 (12.5, 13.25, 14)“,from cast on edge. Bind off 25 (25, 25, 25) sts, work next 18 sts, bind off remaining 25 (25, 25, 25) sts. Keeping continuity of pattern work over 18 sts until saddle measure 5.5 (5, 4.75, 4.75)“ Bind off all sts.

Finishing

Sew sleeves into armholes. Sew saddle to back and front shoulders.

Neckband: Pick up 90/96/96/102 sts around neck opening and work in cuff pattern for 1.5” .

Bind off losely.  Weave in loose ends.

Schematic