I finally completed the cable sweater I have been knitting since the beginning of winter. A proper chunky knit with a relaxed, loose texture and cable detail running along the sleeves.
For this project I decided to try knitting the sweater sideways, starting at one sleeve and working across the body to the other sleeve, rather than using the traditional bottom-to-top method. I quite enjoyed this little experiment and watching how the cable travels across the sweater as it grows.
Follow along to see how I knitted mine.
To start this sweater you will need chunky yarn and knitting needles to match.
The yarn I used was chunky, but not super chunky, and I chose needles that gave the knit a slightly loose texture.
This sweater is knitted sideways from one sleeve to the other and is made from two identical pieces that are later sewn together.
SLEEVE
Cast on 21 stitches (add more if you would like a wider sleeve).
This will form the width of the sleeve, since the sweater is knitted sideways from one arm to the other.
Rows 1-7: work knit 1, purl 1 across.
This creates the ribbed cuff at the end of the sleeve. If you prefer a longer cuff, simply continue the ribbing for a few more rows.
Rows 8–17:
Row 1: Slip 1, knit 20.
Row 2: Slip 1, knit 2, purl 15, knit 3.
Repeat these two rows until row 17 (21 stitches each row).
This section prepares the stitches before starting the cable pattern.
From this point on the number of rows will depend on the size you want, so it is easiest to measure as you knit.
Start working the cable across the centre stitches as shown in the photos. The surrounding stitches continue in the same pattern as before.
Repeat the cable twist every 7 rows while continuing to knit the sleeve.
Keep working until the sleeve measures roughly from the wrist to the armpit.
MERGING TO BODY
Once the sleeve reaches the desired length (from wrist to armpit), begin adding stitches on one side to start forming the body of the sweater.
Add one stitch at the edge every second row while continuing to knit and maintaining the cable pattern in the centre.
Continue this process for roughly 42 rows, gradually widening the piece. This creates the triangular section that will later form the side of the sweater under the sleeve.
BODY
Once the triangular section is complete, begin forming the body of the sweater.
Cast on about 40–45 stitches at the edge of the row, directly from the side of the sleeve section (as shown in the photo).
These stitches will form the body of the sweater. You can cast on more stitches if you would like the jumper to be longer.
Once the body stitches are cast on, continue knitting across the whole piece.
Work about 80–90 rows, maintaining the cable column while knitting the rest of the fabric.
By now you may have noticed that the entire sweater is worked in garter stitch, except for the cable column.
MERGING TO SLEEVE
Once the body section is complete, begin shaping the second sleeve.
First cast off 40–45 stitches (the same number that were cast on to form the body).
Continue knitting while reducing one stitch every second row to create the second triangular section for the underarm.
Keep working in this way while maintaining the cable column until 21stitches remain (the same number of stitches you started with).
SECOND SLEEVE
Once the triangular section is complete and you are back to the original 21 stitches, continue knitting the sleeve.
Work the sleeve in the same way as the first one, knitting until it reaches the desired sleeve length (from armpit to wrist).
Finish with the cuff:
Work knit 1, purl 1 rib for about 7 rows, or longer if you prefer a deeper cuff.
Cast off loosely.
ASSEMBLY
Make a second identical piece following the same instructions.
Place the two pieces right sides together, aligning the cable columns.
First sew along the top of the sleeves, leaving a gap in the middle for the neck opening.
Next sew the underside of the sleeves, continuing down along the sides of the body.
Turn the sweater right side out and try it on.
Voilà — your sideways cable sweater is complete.
One long cable, travelling all the way from sleeve to sleeve.
Enjoy your week 🙂
Rasa
Wow, it’s so cool!
I hope I’ll one day have the guts to start knitting a vest/sweater myself.
And also finish it in a timely manner. 🙂