Meet the Knit Sisters: Ballerine and Disco Ball

Did you notice that the Ballerine sweater and the Disco Ball cardigan are sisters? One is just a sweater and the other a cardigan. They're knit from the same yarn, on the same needles, at the same gauge, and they share the same shoulder construction. If you're wondering which one to start with, Ballerine is easier to follow because of its shallow neckline. Disco Ball takes a bit more figuring out, plus knitting a button band.

What they share

Yarn and gauge. Both are knit in Sandnes Garn Ballerina Chunky Mohair on 4 mm (US6) needles. The fabric is equally dense in both: light, fuzzy and soft.

Shoulder construction. Both start at the neckline with a back neck piece that you knit flat from the top down, increasing quickly at the shoulder seams. This gives the shoulders a beautiful drape and a neat 3-stitch seam line. Don't panic if the seam looks tight while it's still on the needles! Blocking straightens it out, and the weight of the sleeves pulls it straight too.

Fit. Both are designed with plenty of ease so the mohair can look its best. They're meant to be oversized.

Where they differ

Working out the neckline. Ballerine's neckline is easier to follow because it's shallow, and you increase at the neck edge at regular intervals while continuing the shoulder increases. Disco Ball has a V-neck, shaped with increases spaced further apart than on Ballerine. The shoulder increases continue at the same time. That "at the same time" is the part of the cardigan that needs care. I recommend marking every neckline increase row with a stitch marker.

In the round or flat. The sweater is knit in the round, but the cardigan is naturally worked flat, since it's open at the front. If you hate purling and only enjoy knitting stockinette in the round, that decides which one goes on your needles. Beginners usually prefer knit stitches; more experienced knitters care less about the method and more about the result.

Time spent on finishing. The button band moves Disco Ball up one notch, from Ballerine's level 2/5 to 3/5. It's worked in double knitting and honestly takes two or three days to knit. The cardigan itself is quick, but the button band takes time. Then again, a perfectly firm button band is exactly what makes the cardigan good to wear. And something good is worth the time.

Pattern here: Ballerine Sweater · Disco Ball Cardigan
Ohje täältä: Ballerine-pusero · Disco Ball -takki