SweetGeorgia Oatlands Cardigan Knitting Pattern

SweetGeorgia Oatlands Cocoon Shrug: Knitted Cable Cardigan Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Oatlands is a cocoon-style shrug cardigan designed by Sue Gleave for SweetGeorgia Yarns. This garment is constructed from a rectangular panel of stockinette stitch that is seamed along the outer edges of the short sides to form comfortable, relaxed sleeves. The finished shrug features a wingspan of 40 to 49¾ inches (101.5 to 126.5 cm, depending on size) and is intended to be worn with 4 to 6 inches of positive ease, creating a draped, cozy silhouette perfect for layering during fall and winter months.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting pattern employs several key construction techniques to create its distinctive look and structure. The garment is worked flat on circular needles, meaning you knit back and forth in rows rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and customization. The pattern utilizes seaming to join the short sides of the rectangular body piece, forming the sleeve openings and overall cocoon shape. Cable techniques are central to the design, particularly in the decorative border that frames the shrug.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Oatlands pattern incorporates two primary stitch patterns that work together to create visual interest and structure:

• Stockinette Stitch: Forms the main body of the shrug. Stockinette stitch is created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, producing the classic smooth, V-textured fabric that serves as the foundation for this garment.
• Cabled Rib Stitch Border: A decorative border featuring cable crossings combined with ribbed texture. The pattern includes two cable variations: CF20RIB (cable front) and CB20RIB (cable back). These cables are worked by slipping 10 stitches onto a cable needle and holding them to either the front or back of the work, then knitting stitches from the main needle followed by stitches from the cable needle. This creates the supple, dimensional cables that give the shrug its distinctive character. The cabled rib border alternates knit and purl stitches (k3, p2 repeats) between cable rows, adding textural depth.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Oatlands pattern is designed to showcase the luxurious qualities of SweetGeorgia Yarns Mohair Silk DK yarn in the colorway Molasses. This yarn is composed of 90% Superwash Merino Wool, 5% Super Kid Mohair, and 5% Silk, creating a fiber blend that is both durable and delightfully soft. Each skein contains 218 yards (200 meters) and weighs 3.5 ounces (100 grams). Depending on the size you choose, you will need 7 to 8 skeins to complete the project.

The pattern calls for Size 6 US (4 mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches (60 cm) in length for the main body of the shrug, as well as Size 6 US (4 mm) double-pointed needles for working smaller sections. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable stitches that define the border. The recommended gauge is 19 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch after blocking, which ensures the finished garment will have the intended drape and fit.

Pattern Details and Construction Notes

The Oatlands pattern (Version 1.0, © SweetGeorgia Yarns 2018) is rated as intermediate skill level, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working with cables and seaming techniques. The simple rectangular construction combined with personalized sizing options allows knitters to customize the shrug to their preferences. The cabled rib border provides a decadent finishing touch that frames the supple stockinette body, creating a garment that feels both luxurious and wearable for the coldest months of the year.