The Kombu Cardigan is a top-down, continuous, saddle shoulder cropped cardigan with fitted sleeves and shaping to accentuate the waist. Twisted cable stitches accent the shoulders, sleeves, and ribbing. The optional shaping in the double knit button band helps to define the v-neckline. The only seaming needed is to attach the button band.

The saddle shoulder method used was adapted from the method developed by Susie Myers (SusieM).

Kombu is a type of kelp. I decided to name my cardigan after it, partially because of the color I chose, but also because the undulating nature of the cables reminded me of kelp gently swaying at the bottom of the ocean. It all evokes a sense of peace and calmness for me.

There are sizes 1-9, with final bust measurements of:

32 (36, 40.5, 44.5) (48.5, 52.5, 56.5) (60.5, 64.5) in /
82 (91, 102.5, 113) (124, 133.5, 144) (154, 163.5) cm

and a suggested positive ease of 0-4 inches.

(Sizes 7-9 have not been test knitted. If you plan on making one of these sizes, I am offering a copy of the pattern in exchange for a pseudo test knit of these sizes. Message me for more info.)

Approximate yardage estimates:
DK weight yarn (I used DK, but some of my testers used worsted!)
* 620 (730, 830, 950) 1050, 1170, 1280500) yards /
567 (668, 759, 869) 960, 1070, 1170372) meters
Note that more yarn would be needed for a less-cropped version.

Gauge
* 19 st and 25 rows in 4inx4in/10cmx10 cm in stockinette stitch

Techniques used:

• Cables
• Twisted stitches
• Seaming
• M1R and M1L increases
• k2tog and ssk decreases
• buttonholes

Notions needed:

• Needles in US sizes 6 and 4
• 5 15mm buttons (or more for a longer cardigan)
• thread to sew buttons
• 1 or 2 cable needles
• 8 stitch markers

Thanks to my awesome testers! Some of their photos are included here.