My First Finished Object of 2025: The Crocodile Line Cardigan

I can’t think of a better way to kick off the year than with a beautiful, hand-knitted cardigan, and here it is; my first finished object of 2025, the Crocodile Line Cardigan by Anna Johanna. This pattern, from Strands of Joy Vol. 2 from Laine Publishing, is a stunning design full of intricate details, and I loved making it.

I cast on the cardigan on December 19th and finished exactly one month later, on January 19th—perfect symmetry for a project that kept me company through the holidays and into the start of a new year. The end result? A cardigan I’m truly proud of, thanks to both the gorgeous pattern and some personal modifications to make it uniquely mine.

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The Yarn and Colours

I used Drops Fiesta yarn for this project, a DK-weight wool blend that turned out to be the perfect choice for both cables and colour work. My colour palette included:

• Chestnut: A rich, warm brown for the base.
• Natural: A soft cream to brighten the design.
• Sea Green: A fresh, cool pop of colour for contrast.

The combination of these shades gave the cardigan a classic, earthy vibe that instantly transported me back to memories of my time on archaeological excavations. The interplay of colours and patterns reminds me of fragments of pottery or mosaic being revealed from beneath the soil—those moments when history peeks out from the earth in unexpected beauty. This cardigan feels like a wearable tribute to those experiences.

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Modifications I Made

While I loved the original design, I made several changes to suit my preferences and knitting style. Here’s what I adjusted:

1. Chevron-Shaped Cable
   The original design featured a chevron-shaped cable, but I swapped it for a slip-stitch zig-zag cable instead. This adjustment made the knitting process more enjoyable for me, as the zig-zag was simpler to execute while still maintaining a striking texture.

2. I-Cord Borders
   The pattern called for i-cord borders, but I opted for lateral braids instead. Not only were they easier to knit, but they also added less bulk, giving the cardigan a cleaner finish.

3. Needle Adjustment for Lateral Braids
   To address the tendency for stitches to elongate on the next row, I knit the lateral braids on smaller needles, otherwise the following row looked like a horrendous mistake!

4. Extra Stitches for Underarm Fit
   For a better fit, I added extra stitches to the underarm. This adjustment ensured the cardigan would be comfortable and wearable without any pulling or tightness.

5. Button Band Adjustment
   The button band in the original pattern had a stitch count that caused the bottom hem to ride up. To fix this, I added extra stitches, which balanced the tension and gave the hem a smooth, polished look.

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A Great Experience

This project marked a lot of firsts for me—it was my first attempt at knitting Fair Isle flat, and I have to say, I’m completely hooked! The Drops Fiesta yarn was an absolute dream to work with, offering the perfect mix of structure for cables and softness for colour work.

Finishing this cardigan feels like a huge accomplishment. Not only do I have a beautiful garment to show for my efforts, but I’ve also learned new techniques and tackled some challenges along the way.

If you’re considering knitting the Crocodile Line Cardigan, I can’t recommend it enough—whether you stick to the original pattern or add your own modifications like I did.