Pirta

Next up is a gorgeous and really interesting make, Pirta cardigan.

What: Pirta / Own pattern

How: Circular needle 4.0 mm

From: Kässäkerho Pom Pom Donegal DK, 567 g

There is a lot happening in this cardigan so it sure isn't a boring project. The cardigan features a lush garter stitch cowl and you can find traditionally inspired colourwork on the yoke, sleeves and hem.

Pirta is worked in the round and steeked. I usually recommend non-superwash yarn for steeking but I really wanted to use this stunning handdyed yarn with beautiful tweed spots on it.

Therefore, I recommend reinforcing the steek with a sewing machine to make sure no yarn ends can get away. For non-superwash yarns, a crochet reinforcement is usually enough but for more slippery yarns, I use a sewing machine.

The cardigan features three colours but only two are used at a time so the colourwork shouldn't be too difficult. The traditional patterns are adorned with cute little nupps on the yoke and on the cuffs.

The colourwork stripe on the hem hides pockets behind it. You will first knit a waste yarn in the place of the pockets and once the cardigan is finished that waste yarn is unraveled and you will pick up stitches around it to work the pockets.

Since the cardigan is steeked, the button bands are worked just before cutting the steek. The button bands, cuffs and the hem are worked in garter stitch.

You can find all the info on the design below to start planning your own project. Some of the photos were taken by Laine for the book and some we snapped ourselves.

Size

XXS-XS-S-M1 [M2-L1-L2-XL] 2XL-3XL-4XL-5XL

This cardigan is meant to be worn with positive ease. Choose a size with approx. 1.75’’ / 5 cm positive ease at bust circumference.

Finished measurements

Bust circumference: 32.75-34.5-36.75-39.25 [40.75-42.5-44.75-48.75] 53.5-56.75-60-66.5’’ / 82-86-92-98 [102-106-112-122] 134-142-150-166 cm

Yarn

Kässäkerho Pom Pom Donegal DK (85% merino, 15% rayon, 212 m / 100 g), or other DK weight yarn. Shown in colors Hiekka (MC), Teräs (CC1) and Haave (CC2).

4-4-4-4 [4-4-5-5] 5-6-6-7 skeins of MC, 2-2-2-2 [2-2-2-2] 3-3-3-3 of CC1 and 1-1-1-1 [1-1-1-1] 2-2-2-2 skeins of CC2.

Yardage

MC: 720-765-805-840 [890-925-970-1050] 1140-1195-1285-1395 yrds / 660-700-735-770 [810-845-885-960] 1045-1095-1175-1275 m,

CC1: 305-310-345-350 [365-385-390-430] 560-570-615-645 yrds / 280-285-315-320 [335-350-355-390] 515-520-560-590 m,

CC2: 160-160-180-180 [190-200-200-220] 300-300-325-340 yrds / 145-150-165-165 [175-185-185-205] 275-275-300-310 m.

Needles

US 6 (4.0 mm) - 40’’ / 100 cm long circular needles and dpns if you prefer to work the sleeves with them. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the right gauge.

Gauge

20 sts x 26 rnds = 4x4’’ / 10x10 cm in stockinette stitch and color work, worked in the round (after blocking).

Other

6 stitch markers, 7-8 buttons (1’’ / 2.5 cm diameter), tapestry needle.