The Connelly Cardigan is my latest handknit project. This visually stunning design features a twisty cable pattern for the body and a simple 1×1 rib stitch for the elegant neckline and underarm. The resulting fabric is highly textured, ultra squishy, and dense, with a wonderful weight and drape.
Worked from the top down, the neckline and shoulder shaping are incorporated into the knit. The dropped shoulders, longer length, and straight silhouette provide for an easy fit. The collar can be made into a shawl collar (folded over) or left standing.
I used Woolfolk Tov yarn, a beautiful 100% merino wool yarn in an aran weight. It yields great stitch definition — perfect for all of these cables! — and is easy to knit. I chose color T17, which is a classic camel color.
Cable Patterns and the Aran Islands
The Connelly Cardigan is knit in a braided pattern that is repeated to create the allover cable design. While I am unsure of the history of this particular knit stitch, it seems related to the type of knitting that originated in the Aran Islands, a group of islands off of Ireland’s west coast. Known for richly cabled patterns that are often linked to stories about fishermen and the meaning behind the cables, Aran knitting has a surprisingly brief history.
According to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London:
Contrary to popular belief, the typical cable-patterned Aran jumper is a 20th-century invention. In 1891, the government set up the Congested Districts Board to help poor families survive unemployment and food shortages. The Board encouraged local people to weave and knit garments to sell. By the 20th century, this cottage industry began to take off and the Board trained knitters to create complex patterns. Instead of the dark coloured, oiled wools traditionally used to make fishermen’s jerseys, the islanders experimented with soft, thick, undyed yarn.
Overall Thoughts About the Connelly Cardigan
I think the Connelly Cardigan is a lovely and versatile design. The oversized shape makes it easy to throw on and go, but the neckline and textured cables give it an elegant and pulled together look. The pattern is well written and clear.
Some ways to customize:
- Add buttons
- Wear it with a belt
- Shorten the length for a cropped look
More Information
Connelly Cardigan Design and Yarn: Woolfolk Yarn and Veta Romanenkova
Connelly Cardigan Design Notes: Ravelry
My Other Woolfolk Yarn Projects
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