Machine Knit Pocket Cardigan # 2

My previous attempt to copy a pocket cardigan turned out okay in the beginning, but because I used a cotton material, it stretches  around the neck line too much and shrunk everywhere else adter laundry – became unwearable after a season. I really liked the cardigan (pockets are so useful when you have kids) and decided to suppress my fiber snob self and make it again with simply soft yarn.

I accidentally made the pocket a little deep. I think to achieve the more slouchy effect next time, i may have to make the sweater bigger and longer next time. But I like how this one turned out and it probably looks better with my petite frame. The back piece I did a few rows of hand-knit to put on garter stitches so it doesnt roll. I also hand sewn a stripe of knitted long stripe (basic 6 stitch stockinette for a long time – done on the machine) onto the upper pocket/net edges so it doesnt stretch out over there like the cotton version.

Because this is my 5th sweater on the knitting machine, it went pretty fast!! Once you learn the kind of pressure to assert when knitting, it really doesnt mess much often. I think i might do another sweater using this yarn soon. Then I might move onto fancier yarn 🙂

Instruction/pattern for this cardigan:

2.5 tension, 2 out of 4 rods inserted
back:

• cast on 82 stitches with WY, knit 6 rows
• K 100 rows, mark arm holes
• K 36 more rows
• put center 20 stitches on waste yarn
• each shoulder will have 31 stitches
• knitting 6 rows with WY on each shoulder, then take them off the machine
• hand knit bottom hem with #7 needle about 6 times to create edging that doesnt rolls

front (make 2 of opposite kinds)

• cast on 70 with WY, knit 6 rows
• knit 50 rows, mark pocket -> next time: 40 rows for pocket is more than enough
• bind off 21 stitches –  you should have 49 stitches
• knit 1 row
• for the next 18 rows, bind off 1 stitch every row –  you should have 31 stitches (release 1 weight bar half way through to keep same tension)
• knit 31 rows, mark arm holes (> next time: 41 rows)
• knit 36 more rows,
• knit 6 rows with waste yarn

• bring out 50 stitches, and hook on between the markers
• knit 100 time, bind off tightly