Welcome to the Drift KAL!
Drift is a gansey-inspired cardigan that looks even better in person than it does in photos. I was convinced that we needed to turn it into a KAL when I saw it on Susan at one of our yarn retreats!
It has a much more flattering fit than traditional ganseys. Drift looks complicated and there is a lot to learn in this KAL, but the stitch patterns are fairly simple – mostly knit & purl stitches.
And we love that this pattern is written for a wide range of bust sizes: 32” – 64”.
In this KAL you will learn how to:
- How to make a proper swatch to test your gauge and ensure that your garment will fit
- Knit a sweater from the bottom up
- Use simple techniques to prevent mistakes
- Read your knitting so you never lose your place again
- Use a lifeline so you never have to rip all your work out again
- Make buttonholes
- Seam your work for a professional finish
- Block your sweater properly
Participants must know how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off prior to starting this KAL. Having completed a basic sweater in the past will be helpful, but it’s not necessary for adventurous knitters.
Recommended Supplies
- Drift pattern – Download it free by clicking this link (check your download folder if you don’t see it immediately)
- Worsted weight yarn. We recommend Kraemer Naturally Nazareth. It’s a somewhat rustic 100% merino wool blend that is reminiscent of the traditional yarns used for gansey sweaters.
Malabrigo Rios and Shalimar Paulie Worsted would also make a beautiful Drift, but they won’t give the same traditional look. On the plus side, they are incredibly soft and luxurious. All of these yarns are available below.
Yarn requirements by size:
- US 5 (3.75 mm) and US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles, or size needed to obtain gauge. The smaller needle needs to be a 36” or longer circular needle to do the finishing. (You could probably get by with a 32”.)
- Stitch markers
- 6 – 1” buttons
- Darning needle
- Sewing needle & thread for sewing on buttons
KAL Store
For your convenience, we have available for sale the yarn and pattern you need for this KAL. Save time and support our small business by purchasing what you need here. Click on the item name to see more details and larger photos.
If you do not need your yarn immediately, we are happy to special order whatever color you like! Just call or text (423) 218-2238 or email support@knitalongclub.com, and we’ll help you find the perfect yarn!
| Image | Name | Price | Buy | Short Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Clover Locking Stitch Markers | $5.49 | These durable Clover locking stitch markers are the most versatile stitch markers. You can use them on your knitting needles or pin them to your fabric to keep track of your stitches and progress. 20/pack | |
 | Clover Soft Stitch Ring Markers | $5.25 | These flexible Clover soft stitch ring markers are pliable and easy on your hands. The package includes 10 small and 20 large stitch markers. The small stitch markers fit needle sizes 0 to 5 and the large stitch markers fit needle sizes 5 to 11. 30/pack | |
 | Kraemer Naturally Nazareth | $9.49 | Naturally Nazareth is a versatile 3-ply yarn with great stitch definition. Made in the USA with wool grown in the USA! 100% U.S. Merino Wool Blend; 100 grams / 200 yards Click on any color below to see it larger at left or above. Click the magnifying glass in that photo to see it even larger. | |
 | Malabrigo Rios | $16.00 | Malabrigo Rios is a hand dyed 4-ply worsted weight yarn that is luxuriously soft. 100% superwash merino wool; 100 grams / 210 yards Hover over any color to see the color name; click any color to see a larger sample at left. | |
 | Shalimar Paulie Worsted | $34.00 | Paulie Worsted is 4-ply superwash Merino, Camel, Cashmere and Silk blend. This unique blend of fibers creates a yarn that is the ultimate luxury to work with. 100 grams / 200 yards |