Blue Orange Zipped Cardigan

**Important** This project page documents a **Design Journal, not a pattern**. It is written for experienced knitters who are comfortable modifying patterns or working without one. The journal reflects how the design unfolded, the decisions made along the way, and what I learned — rather than providing step-by-step instructions. An experienced knitter can reproduce this design from these notes. **Teaser** What began as an attempt to copy a beloved pink cardigan became a study in creative restlessness, texture play, and designing within limits. **Size** My chest measurement: 86 cm Finished chest: 95 cm Positive ease: 9 cm Size: Small with comfortable ease. **Gauge** 25 stitches × 31 rows = 10 cm (7 sts per inch, 7.75 rows per inch) Measured in stockinette after blocking. **Needles** • 3.0 mm for body • 2.75 mm for sleeve cuffs **Yarn** • 2 × 200 g balls Baby Blue 4-Ply (fully used) Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 4-Ply • Regia Design Line Arne & Carlos 4-Ply (used from stash; self-striping orange) • Small amount dark blue yarn for contrast • Fine dark blue mohair held with sock yarn in pocket Total garment weight: 465 g **Construction Notes** • Top-down, seamless, set-in sleeve • Short-row shoulders • Faux seams worked by slipping 2 stitches • Chevron & Bobble Lace panel in yoke • Modified Hexa Bead cable motif across back (20 sts × 28 rows sub-motif, 6 repeats) • Integrated double-knit kangaroo pocket • Waist shaping: 16 stitches decreased total • Back hem extended with short rows (+4 cm) • 50 cm zip installed • 3-row I-cord edging in dark blue **Project Description** This cardigan began as an attempt to replace a beloved pink, store-bought zip hoodie that I had worn almost threadbare. The plan was simple: replicate it exactly using a top-down, set-in sleeve construction. It didn’t stay simple. Using [The Tailored Sweater Method][1] as my base gave me reliable calculations and fit, which meant I could design freely within that structure. What began as reproduction gradually evolved into something more personal — textured yoke details, slip-stitch colour play, a bold self-striping pocket, and a modified cable panel across the back. The result is a fitted, waist-shaped cardigan with a 50 cm zip, integrated kangaroo pocket, structured cuffs, and a folded lace collar (a hood was planned, but yarn limits changed the plan). I love how this cardigan balances discipline and improvisation. It is structured but playful. And I wear it often. Feel free to reproduce it and make it your own. [1]: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-tailored-sweater-method