Noro Taranaki Knitting Pattern

Noro Taranaki Knitted Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Noro Taranaki is a complex knitted cardigan designed by Audrey Drysdale. This garment is available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and 1X, with finished bust measurements ranging from 43 to 55 inches (109 to 139 centimeters). The cardigan features a finished length between 26 and 27½ inches (66 to 70 centimeters) and upper arm circumference measurements from 16 to 19 inches (41 to 48 centimeters). The design incorporates button closures, with seven ½-inch (12mm) buttons featured throughout the front opening.

Techniques Used

The Noro Taranaki employs several advanced knitting techniques that create visual interest and texture. Cable techniques are central to the design, including right and left cable crosses that manipulate stitch placement for dimensional effects. Knit-below stitches (k1–b) are utilized to create elongated stitches by working into the row below on right-side rows, which adds depth and visual complexity to the fabric. Slip stitches are incorporated throughout, allowing stitches to pass from the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle without being worked, contributing to the garment's structural integrity and stitch definition. Yarn-over increases are used to create new stitches and add shaping to the piece. The pattern also includes decrease techniques such as slip, slip, knit (ssk), where two stitches are slipped knitwise and then knitted together to reduce stitch count.

Stitches Used

• Moss Stitch: The primary stitch pattern used throughout the garment, worked over the larger needles at a gauge of 16 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters). Moss stitch creates a textured, bumpy fabric with excellent drape and structure.
• 3-Stitch Right Cable (3-st RC): Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold to back, knit 2 stitches, then knit 1 stitch from cable needle.
• 3-Stitch Left Cable (3-st LC): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to front, knit 1 stitch, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle.
• 3-Stitch Right Purl Cable (3-st RPC): Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold to back, knit 2 stitches, then purl 1 stitch from cable needle.
• 3-Stitch Left Purl Cable (3-st LPC): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to front, purl 1 stitch, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle.
• 4-Stitch Right and Left Cables (4-st RC/LC): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to back or front, knit 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from cable needle, creating larger dimensional cable crossings.
• Knit-Below Stitches (k1–b): Knit into the stitch in the row below on right-side rows by inserting the right-hand needle under the purl bump, creating elongated stitches on the right side.
• Yarn-Over Increases (yo): Create new stitches by placing yarn over the right-hand needle.
• Slip, Slip, Knit Decrease (ssk): Slip two stitches knitwise one at a time to the right-hand needle, insert the left-hand needle into the fronts of these stitches from left to right, and knit them together to decrease one stitch.

Materials

The Noro Taranaki is constructed using Noro Haunui Silk yarn, a luxurious blend that provides excellent drape and a refined finish. The main color (MC) requires 5 to 6 hanks of 150 grams each in color #109, depending on size, while the contrasting color (CC) uses 1 hank of 150 grams in color #111 for accent details. Knitting is accomplished with US 7/4.5mm needles for ribbing and shaping sections, and US 9/5.5mm