Moss Theory is a classic cable knit sweater: a straight silhouette, a smooth stockinette body and a single cable running down the centre front, finished with a high ribbed neck. The plain background is what makes the cable stand out and gives the piece its timeless look. In this video we knit the whole thing — body, sleeves, neckline and the cable technique.
What you’ll be knitting
- Silhouette: straight, classic, without excess ease.
- Level: intermediate. Stockinette, ribbing, decreases, increases and cables.
- Detail: a single centred cable on a plain ground — the easiest way to start with cables.
Materials
Yarn — in the video we use BeMe by The Woolcatcher — circular needles, a cable needle, stitch markers and a tapestry needle. Here is the natural yarn collection.
How the sweater is built
- Ribbed hem. Start at the bottom with a few rounds of ribbing.
- Stockinette body with the cable centred on the front.
- Cable. The crossing repeats every set number of rows; always keep the same direction.
- Sleeves. Increases spread out until you reach the final width.
- High collar. Ribbing, bound off in pattern.
Common mistakes
- Losing the cable rhythm. Note which row the crossing falls on, or use a marker — the most common slip.
- Changing the crossing direction. Holding the cable needle in front one time and behind the next visually breaks the cable.
- Ignoring the swatch. On a straight-cut sweater the fit depends entirely on tension. Knit 10x10 cm first.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to knit?
It is a several-session project. Chunky yarn moves much faster than fine yarn.
Can I make it oversized?
Yes, by adding stitches to the body. If you’d rather start from a design built that way, knit the Soft Division.
Do cables use much more yarn?
Yes — cables pull the fabric in widthwise and use considerably more than plain stockinette. Buy with margin.
