Cascade Yarns C Celtic Cables for Him Knitting Pattern

Cascade Yarns C200 Celtic Cables Pullover for Him

What Is Being Made

This is a men's pullover sweater featuring a striking Celtic cable design running down the center front and back. The Celtic Cables for Him pattern, designed by Melissa Leapman, is a classic crew-neck pullover available in five sizes ranging from Small to Extra-Extra-Large, with finished chest measurements from 42 inches to 55 inches and a total length of 26 inches. This intermediate-level knitting project combines elegant cable work with clean, minimalist reverse stockinette stitch sections, creating a sophisticated garment suitable for everyday wear.

Knitting Techniques Used

The pullover employs several essential knitting techniques that intermediate knitters will appreciate. Cable work forms the centerpiece of the design, requiring the use of cable needles to create the intricate Celtic cable panel that measures approximately 6¾ inches wide. The construction follows a traditional top-down approach with set-in armholes, involving strategic increases and decreases to shape the garment. Ribbed edging at the cuffs and hem provides stretch and structure, while neck shaping creates a comfortable crew neckline. The pattern also demonstrates proper gauge management, with specific instructions for checking tension before beginning to ensure proper fit across all five sizes.

Stitches Used

• Rib Pattern (multiple of 2 stitches): A fundamental 1x1 knit-purl alternation used for the ribbed sections at the waistband and cuffs, creating elasticity and a finished appearance
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch Pattern: The primary background stitch throughout the sweater body, created by purling on right-side rows and knitting on wrong-side rows. This stitch pattern is worked over the side panels and creates a subtle texture that allows the Celtic cable panel to stand out prominently
• Celtic Cable Panel (over 30 stitches, increasing to 38 stitches): The signature stitch pattern worked from a provided chart, featuring complex cable crossings that create the distinctive Celtic knot motif. This panel requires careful attention to the chart instructions and cable needle work to execute properly

Materials and Tools

The pullover is constructed using Cascade's 128 Superwash yarn in color #1919, a practical choice for a men's garment due to its machine-washable properties. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 9 hanks for the smallest size to 12 hanks for the larger sizes. The pattern calls for two pairs of knitting needles—sizes 8 and 10—allowing knitters to work the ribbed sections on smaller needles for a tighter gauge and the main pattern sections on larger needles for proper fabric drape. Two cable needles are essential for executing the Celtic cable panel. The recommended gauge is 15 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches when working reverse stockinette stitch with the larger needles, making accurate gauge swatching crucial for achieving the correct finished measurements.