In the 1600s, Spanish settlers brought indigo plants to the open territories of the Southwest and indigenous weavers quickly incorporated this non-native hue into their weavings, which until then had consisted of earth tones. The Indigo Trader Cardigan’s bold, graphic intarsia motif, earth tones, and indigo hues are inspired by both the colors and weaving of the Southwest. This cardigan is worked flat from the top down, and the high-low hem is created with short-row shaping.

Difficulty Intermediate

Finished Size 39 (43.25, 47.5, 51.75, 56)“ bust circumference, buttoned. Cardigan shown measures 39”; modeled with 7” of positive ease.

Yarn Harrisville Designs Turbine (100% pure virgin wool; 110 yd / 3.5 oz): #901 birch bark (light gray; MC), 8 (9, 10, 11, 13) skeins; #919 canal (dark blue; CC1) and #951 gatehouse (dark brown; CC2), 1 skein each.

Needles Size 11 (8 mm): 32” circular and set of double-pointed. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions Markers; waste yarn for provisional CO; size J/10 (6 mm) crochet hook; stitch holders; tapestry needle; five 2” x .75” toggle buttons.

Gauge 9.5 sts and 15 rows = 4” in rev St st.

Notes This cardigan is worked back and forth in rows from the top down with raglan shaping. The sleeves are worked in the round from the top down.