Classic Elite Yarns Jet Stream Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Jet Stream: Cabled Cardigan and Vest

What is Being Made

The Jet Stream is a versatile cabled V-neck cardigan or vest designed by Susan Mills, originally published in Forecast 1506. This garment can be worn as a standalone summer top or layered for cooler weather. The design offers flexibility with two construction options: a cardigan version with cap sleeves or a sleeveless vest version. Both versions share the same back and front pieces, with differences only in sleeve and armhole finishing. The garment is available in five sizes: XS, S, M, L, and XL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 33" to 48".

Techniques Used

The Jet Stream is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create its distinctive appearance and structure:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is worked from the lower edge upward, beginning with cast-on stitches at the hem
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted on straight needles in flat rows rather than in the round
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces are completed separately and then sewn together to form the finished garment
• Cable work: Two 48-stitch cable panels form the primary design feature, worked from a chart pattern
• Strategic increases: Shaping increases are incorporated during the ribbed setup row to transition from the ribbed cuff to the cable panels, with partial cables worked in stockinette stitch when there are insufficient stitches for complete cable crossings

Stitches Used

The pattern employs a limited but effective stitch palette:

• 2 x 2 Rib: A foundational stitch worked over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2, alternating knit and purl columns. This rib is worked for 1½" at the hem, with Row 1 (RS) reading P2, *k2, p2; rep from *, and Row 2 (WS) reading K2, *p2, k2; rep from *. The rib provides elasticity and structure at the garment's lower edge
• Stockinette Stitch: Used for the main body fabric and as a substitute for partial cable stitches when shaping reduces stitch count
• Cable Stitches: Worked from a Cable Panel chart that defines the crossing pattern and rhythm of the two featured 48-stitch panels

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Jet Stream is designed to be worked in Provence by Classic Elite Yarns, a yarn composed of 100% mercerized Egyptian cotton. Each 50-gram skein yields 102 yards of yarn. Yarn requirements vary by garment type and size:

• Cardigan: 8 to 12 hanks depending on size (XS requires 8 hanks; XL requires 12 hanks), available in colorway 5876 Raisin
• Vest: 7 to 11 hanks depending on size (XS requires 7 hanks; XL requires 11 hanks), available in colorway 5877 Bering Sea

The pattern specifies two needle sizes: larger needles are used for the main body and cable panels, while the specific needle size for ribbing is referenced in the full pattern instructions. The mercerized cotton fiber provides a smooth, lustrous finish suitable for warm-weather garments.

Construction Overview

The back and front pieces begin with a cast-on of 106 to 146 stitches depending on size. After working 1½" of 2 x 2 rib, an increase row expands the stitch count to 118 to 158 stitches, with increases strategically placed within the cable panel sections to transition from rib to the 48-stitch cable panels. The pattern is rated at an Intermediate skill level, reflecting the cable work and shaping required. The finished garment length ranges from 19½" to 21½" depending on size.