Classic Elite Yarns Zahara Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Zahara Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Zahara is a mandarin collar sleeveless cardigan tunic designed by Tonia Barry. This garment features a sophisticated silhouette with deep side slits, making it an elegant layering piece suitable for various occasions. The cardigan is worked in a range of seven sizes to accommodate different body measurements and fit preferences.

Construction Techniques

The Zahara cardigan is constructed using bottom-up and seamed methods, with all pieces worked flat on needles rather than in the round. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and seaming of the back, left front, and right front panels. The bottom-up construction method means knitters begin at the lower edge and work toward the shoulders and neckline, providing opportunities to try on the garment as it progresses.

The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions for the armholes and shoulders, with specific bind-off sequences across multiple rows to create proper shoulder slope and structure. Removable markers are used strategically throughout the pattern to indicate important measurement points, including the top of side slits, the base of armholes, and the base of underarms.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Zahara employs two primary stitch patterns to create visual and textural interest:

• Seed Stitch: This classic textured stitch is worked on an odd number of stitches using alternating knit and purl stitches across all rows (both right side and wrong side). Seed Stitch creates a bumpy, reversible fabric with excellent drape and is used for the borders and trim details of the cardigan, including the front bands and neckline areas. The pattern specifies working 7 stitches in Seed Stitch at each edge of the front and back pieces.
• Stockinette Stitch: The main body of the cardigan is worked in Stockinette Stitch, which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric that forms the center panels. This stitch provides a refined appearance and allows the garment to drape elegantly.

The pattern also includes a buttonhole row worked on the right front using a yarn-over and slip-slip-knit decrease (yo and ssk) technique, allowing for functional button closures along the front opening.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

While specific yarn weight and needle size recommendations are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the Zahara is created using Classic Elite Yarns products. The pattern was originally published in Mika 1702B, a printed collection from Classic Elite Yarns known for outstanding yarns and brilliant designs. Knitters should consult the complete pattern or Classic Elite Yarns' website for specific yarn fiber content, yardage requirements, and recommended needle sizes for each of the seven available sizes.

Pattern Features and Sizing

The Zahara cardigan is available in seven graduated sizes, with cast-on stitches ranging from 91 to 163 stitches for the back piece, allowing for customization based on desired fit and finished measurements. The pattern provides specific measurements for key sections, including a consistent 1-inch Seed Stitch cuff at the lower edge, a 15-inch length before side slits begin, variable lengths for the slit sections (5 to 7 inches depending on size), and detailed armhole and shoulder shaping instructions.