The Story Behind the Typewriter Cardigan
This week’s vlog feels particularly meaningful, as I’m finally sharing the full story behind the Typewriter Cardigan. Like many pieces in my knitwear design process, it began with a mix of curiosity, experimentation, and a slightly unconventional starting point.
When Knitting Doesn’t Follow the Rules
The Typewriter Method was never part of a grand plan to create a new knitting technique. It grew out of a very specific challenge: learning how to purl.
As a left-handed knitter who is also AuDHD and dyslexic, I’ve always approached knitting patterns and techniques in a more tactile, exploratory way. Traditional instructions often rely on linear learning and repetition, which did not naturally align with how I process information. Rather than continuing to push through a method that felt inaccessible, I began to experiment.
The goal was simple. I wanted to create a stockinette-style fabric without relying on purl stitches. Through repeated swatching, adjustments, and a fair amount of persistence, the foundation of what is now the Typewriter Method began to take shape.
What Is the Typewriter Method?
At its core, the Typewriter Method is a unique approach to constructing a knit fabric by working three strands individually across a row, then knitting them together on the return pass.
This creates a fabric that feels both structured and airy. The resulting texture has a soft drape and a subtle dimensional quality, making it particularly well suited for modern knitwear and lightweight sweater patterns.
Although the process is unconventional, the rhythm becomes intuitive with practice. Many knitters find it surprisingly accessible, especially those who prefer knit-based techniques over traditional knit-purl combinations.
Understanding Colour and Structure in Tweed-Like Fabrics
One of the most interesting discoveries during the development of this cardigan involved how colour placement affects the final fabric.
The order in which the yarn strands are worked directly influences visibility. The final strand worked before the return row tends to sit slightly beneath the surface, as the return stitches create a larger structure that overlays it. This softens its visual impact.
The first two strands remain more prominent, sitting closer to the surface and defining the overall colour story. This creates an opportunity to approach colourwork in a more intentional way. Rather than simply combining three yarns, you can design a layered palette that mimics the depth of tweed yarn or marl textures.
For knitwear design, this opens up a wide range of creative possibilities, especially when working with contrasting fibres or tonal shades.
A Stash-Friendly Knitting Pattern
One of the most rewarding aspects of the Typewriter Cardigan is how well it lends itself to stash busting.
Because the fabric is created with three strands held and worked in sequence, it allows for a mix of fibres, weights, and textures. This makes it ideal for combining leftover skeins or experimenting with yarn pairings that might not traditionally be used together.
Blends such as suri alpaca and silk mohair create a soft halo and gentle diffusion of colour. Pairing brushed alpaca with merino wool introduces warmth and structure. Even more eclectic combinations can produce surprisingly cohesive results due to the way the stitches layer and interact.
This flexibility makes the pattern especially appealing for knitters who enjoy working creatively with their yarn collection.
Adjusting Gauge and Sizing for Your Yarn
Given the variety of yarn combinations possible, the pattern is designed to be adaptable.
The most reliable approach is to begin with a swatch. Measure how many stitches you achieve per centimetre across your fabric. This allows you to calculate your cast-on based on your desired finished width, rather than relying on a fixed gauge.
This method places more control in the hands of the knitter and aligns well with the experimental nature of the design. It also supports a wider range of yarn substitutions, from lightweight mohair blends to more structured merino wool combinations.
Why Steam Blocking Matters for Halo Fibres
When working with fibres such as mohair or suri alpaca, steam blocking plays a crucial role in achieving the final fabric behaviour.
During the knitting process, I would regularly pause to steam block sections of the cardigan. This provided a clear understanding of how the fabric would relax and grow once finished. It also helped maintain accurate length and proportion throughout the garment.
Halo fibres tend to bloom significantly after blocking, which can affect both drape and dimensions. Incorporating steam blocking into the process allows for more precise adjustments and avoids unexpected changes in the finished knitwear.
Construction of the Cardigan
The construction of the Typewriter Cardigan is intentionally straightforward, allowing the fabric itself to take centre stage.
The body is worked as a single continuous panel, which is then divided to form the front sections. Sleeves are picked up along the shoulder line and shaped with gradual decreases to create a clean silhouette.
This approach minimises seaming and creates a smooth knitting experience with a consistent rhythm. It also makes the pattern accessible to knitters who prefer seamless garment construction.
A Design Rooted in Process
This cardigan represents more than a finished object. It reflects a way of thinking about knitting that values exploration and adaptability.
The process began with frustration, but it evolved into something that embraces alternative approaches to technique and learning. Many knitters experience moments where traditional patterns or methods do not quite fit. In those moments, there is space to experiment and develop something new.
The Typewriter Cardigan stands as an example of how knitwear design can emerge from those experiences, resulting in a garment that feels both personal and widely adaptable.
The Typewriter Cardigan Pattern
The Typewriter Cardigan knitting pattern is now available for anyone who would like to explore this method. See the pattern here.
If you decide to cast one on, it is worth taking the time to experiment with your yarn combinations. Whether you lean towards a refined palette or embrace a more eclectic mix, the fabric will respond in interesting and often unexpected ways.
This design invites curiosity, and that is very much at the heart of what knitting can be.
