Inishturk Sweater and Tam Hat Knitting Pattern

Inishturk Sweater and Tam Hat Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

The Inishturk Sweater and Tam Hat is a coordinated knitting set from Lion Brand featuring a classic aran cable design. This advanced intermediate pattern combines a fitted pullover sweater with a matching tam hat, both showcasing intricate cable work that creates a traditional, textured appearance. The pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF (Pattern Number 90047AD) and offers multiple sizing options for both garments.

Sweater Details

The sweater is designed in five sizes ranging from Small to 2X, with finished chest measurements of 40, 44, 48, 52, and 56 inches (101.5 to 142 centimeters). The finished length remains relatively consistent across sizes at approximately 24.5 to 25.5 inches (62 to 65 centimeters), creating a standard pullover silhouette. The sweater features prominent aran cables as the primary design element, providing visual interest and texture throughout the garment.

Tam Hat Details

The tam hat is designed in one size with a finished circumference of 21 inches (53.5 centimeters) at the band. Like the sweater, the hat incorporates cable patterning and includes a shaped crown section. The pattern includes corrections to the crown shaping chart, ensuring accurate construction of the hat's distinctive rounded silhouette.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques essential to creating the intricate design:

• Cable stitches: The defining feature of both garments, created using cable needles to twist stitches and form raised rope-like patterns
• Double Seed Stitch: Used for the sweater body, creating a textured, reversible fabric with excellent drape and structure
• Stockinette Stitch: Used for the hat (knit on right side, purl on wrong side), providing a smooth, classic finish
• Circular knitting: Both garments are worked in the round using circular needles, allowing for seamless construction and even tension
• Cable crossing: Requires the use of cable needles to hold stitches while working cables, a fundamental technique for creating the sweater's aran pattern

Materials and Yarn

The pattern calls for Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool yarn in the Oatmeal colorway. Yardage requirements vary by size: 3 balls for Small and Medium, 4 balls for Large and 1X, and 5 balls for 2X. Fishermen's Wool is a traditional, durable wool yarn well-suited to cable work, offering excellent stitch definition and warmth.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires a comprehensive set of Lion Brand knitting supplies:

• Sweater needles: Size 7 (4.5 mm) and Size 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles
• Hat needles: Size 9 (5.5 mm) double-pointed needles and circular needles in sizes 6 (4.25 mm), 7 (4.5 mm), and 9 (5.5 mm)
• Cable needles: Set of 2 for managing cable stitches
• Additional tools: Split ring stitch markers, stitch holders, pom pom maker, and large-eye blunt needles for finishing

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern's success. The sweater requires a gauge of 16 stitches and 21 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) using size 8 (5 mm) needles in Double Seed Stitch. The hat requires a gauge of 16 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches using size 9 (5.5 mm) needles in Stockinette Stitch. Checking gauge before beginning ensures the finished garments will match the specified dimensions and use the correct yardage.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Advanced Intermediate, indicating it is suitable for knitters with solid foundational skills who are ready to tackle cable work and more complex shaping. The combination of cable techniques, circular knitting, and multiple size options requires attention to detail and pattern reading ability.