Metamorphosis Cardigan may seem like a simple striped affair at first glance, but the back reveals a beautiful zig-zag pattern created by alternating stripe colors. This unique design, inspired by M.C. Escher, showcases an abrupt color transition, making it visually striking.

Size

XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X) (shown in size S).

Measurements

• Bust: 31.25 (35, 39, 43, 46.25, 51, 54.25) inches / 79.5 (89, 99, 110, 117.5, 129.5, 138) cm.
• Designed to be worn with 1-2 inches (2.5-5cm) of positive ease.
• Length: 22 (22.5, 23.5, 24.5, 25, 25, 25) inches / 56 (57, 60, 62, 63.5, 63.5, 63.5) cm.

Gauge

24 sts/36 rows = 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm) in stockinette stitch after blocking.

Materials Needed

• Fingering weight yarn, approximate yardage varies by size.
• 29-inch (or larger) US #4/3.5mm circular needle or size needed to obtain gauge.
• 1 set US #4/3.5mm double-point needles.
• 6 stitch markers.
• 2 stitch holders or scrap yarn.
• 6 buttons with a diameter of approximately 0.75 inches (2 cm).
• Darning needle.

Yarn Used

Malabrigo Sock [100% merino wool; 440yd/402m per 100g skein]:

Main Color [MC]: Ochre; 2 (2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) skeins.

Contrasting Color [CC]: Alcaucil; 1 (1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2) skeins.

Techniques

• Knitting in the round
• Increasing and decreasing
• Buttonholes
• Picking up stitches

Pattern Notes

The cardigan is knit from the top down, working back and forth on a circular needle with raglan increases. The sleeves are worked in the round on a set of double pointed needles.

At the center back, where colors change from MC to CC and vice versa, twist the yarn as in intarsia knitting to prevent a gap from forming.