I haven’t been knitting much lately, but the other day I was casting around for a new project (don’t you love knitting puns?) and Susan recommended the Hitofude Cardigan designed by Hiroko Fukatsu. One look and I was in — I even had the right yarn: 3 skeins of Madelinetosh Merino Light in the Tern colorway. NOTE: This pattern is available in both English and Japanese; the English version is very clear with great photographs.
Hitofude is not difficult to knit but it’s a marvel of simple and effective design. Hitofude means “a single brush stroke” in Japanese, and the cardigan is designed to be knit without ever breaking your yarn. If you had enough yardage (in say a cone), you’d never even have to join a new skein.
Unlike many sweaters, it’s not quite knit from the top down. It’s very clever and therefore fun to knit. The lace pattern itself can be easily memorized in a moment, which makes Hitofude easy enough to be portable or to be worked on while watching television. But it’s never boring.
I’m sharing a few photos of mine in progress. This is raw, unblocked knitting so it doesn’t look great. But I’ve tried it on and it fits me perfectly. I’m so excited about this one!
Susan is making this cardigan also but has been distracted by some other projects. I’m sure she’ll share details on hers later.
In other news, why can’t American broadcasters adopt some Norwegian reality television programming?
PS from Susan – I am totally jealous of how far along Sally is on her sweater! I am not even done with the sleeve section which is done first. Between the fact that I am larger than Sally, and have a very compressed row gauge in this pattern stitch, I have a lot of knittin’ to do!
Well you have enabled me again. I have a silk/alpaca mix that I may spin up for this – or break down and buy the yarn. But I have already purchased the pattern.
Comment by GailR — November 2, 2013 @ 6:39 pm
Thanks for pointing me in the direction to purchase my first Japanese design. What a beautiful pattern. Loving my Ravelry library!
Comment by CreeksideKnitter — November 2, 2013 @ 9:36 pm
Had seen the pattern on Ravelry but was somehow managing to suppress starting it, this pushed me over the edge. I’m a sucker for clever design, thanks!
Comment by Alicia — November 3, 2013 @ 7:19 pm
Would love to attempt this because I have yarn in stash that would be perfect, but the one and only time I tried to knit from a Japanese pattern (a simple scarf) turned into an long running disaster, and the yarn was ruined by its multiple froggings. My mind just cannot wrap itself around Japanese symbols and characters (no doubt, a fault in my addled brain). How is this pattern written? Is it completely in Japanese?
Comment by PurrlGurrl — November 4, 2013 @ 12:44 pm
I’ve seen this pattern around and it is just lovely. The gray does the pattern justice for sure. I especially like the neckline.
Comment by Angela at Knit Luck — November 4, 2013 @ 6:36 pm
There are two versions of this pattern available: Japanese and English. The English version is very clear and easy to follow with great pictures.
Comment by surly — November 4, 2013 @ 6:50 pm
Hi, Girls,
I had to buy the pattern after reading your post. I want to use some white mohair I have that knits at 3 sts per inch on #10.5’s. I am a size 4x (60 inch bust). I have been communing with the calculator, and I think if I use the instructions for size Med at my gauge of 3/in I will come out with a 60 inch Hitofude… wish me luck! Converting for gauge and bust size is always an adventure. Most patterns do not come in my size, so I am used to it. Usually it works, but sometimes not. I hope this unusual construction does not throw me a curve ball. I have plenty of curves already, lol.
Julie in San Diego
Comment by Julie in San Diego — November 5, 2013 @ 6:34 pm
I am working on a Snowbird, but this is also on my list, it’s gorgeous! I am totally inspired, and happy to hear that it’s not too too complicated a knit!
Michele in Brooklyn, NY
Comment by Michele — November 6, 2013 @ 12:27 am
This looks lovely, and I love the finished versions on Ravelry. But for wearing, I like a cardigan that can close in front. Modifying this pattern would be way beyond my skill level, but probably not beyond yours. So as you two knit this beauty, please report back if you see any way to adjust the fronts without ruining the look.
Comment by purlgin — November 6, 2013 @ 8:32 am
I am on the last pattern repeat -D- and the sweater looks short. I am thinking of doing another inc repeat. What are your thoughts? My size is small.
Comment by Gerri London — January 10, 2014 @ 10:08 pm
Hi, i have enjoyed your blog. I really want to make this sweater, and the yarn i want to use is lace weight (2ply). Do you think that would work?
Comment by Midori — March 7, 2014 @ 10:54 pm