Spud & Chloe by Blue Sky Fibers Tiptoe Cardigan Knitting

Spud & Chloe by Blue Sky Fibers Tiptoe Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Tiptoe Cardigan is a women's knitted cardigan available in four sizes: XS, S, M, and L. This garment features a classic button-front closure with finished bust measurements of 30 (34, 38, 42) inches and a finished length of 21 (22, 23, 24) inches. The cardigan is designed with set-in sleeves measuring 17 (17, 17½, 17½) inches in length, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs multiple advanced techniques to create visual interest and dimension. The primary techniques include:

• Intarsia: Color work is incorporated through intarsia techniques, allowing for detailed pattern work using multiple yarn colors within rows
• Stripes: Single stripe patterning is worked on circular needles to create horizontal color variations throughout the garment
• Worked Flat: The cardigan is constructed using flat knitting methods rather than in-the-round, allowing for traditional front and back panels with separate sleeves

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Tiptoe Cardigan incorporates several distinct stitch patterns to build the finished garment:

• Rib Pattern: A foundational 1x1 ribbing pattern (knit 1, purl 1 across all rows) is used for the initial edge treatment, worked even for 2½ inches to create a fitted, elastic cuff
• Little Dot Pattern: This decorative stitch pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 stitches and repeats over 6 rows. It alternates knit and purl stitches in colors A and B to create a textured dot motif. The pattern achieves a gauge of 16 stitches and 20 rows equaling 4 inches in this stitch
• Reverse Dot Pattern: A variation of the Little Dot Pattern where colors A and B are reversed, providing visual contrast and design flexibility
• Single Stripe Pattern: A simple two-row repeat using color changes to create horizontal stripes, worked over any number of stitches
• Stockinette Stitch: Used for shoulder and neck shaping sections, providing a smooth, classic fabric with a gauge of 16 stitches and 20 rows equaling 4 inches

Pattern Construction and Shaping

The cardigan begins with a cast-on of 60 (68, 76, 84) stitches using a circular needle and color C. After establishing the rib pattern foundation, the piece transitions into the Little Dot Pattern and continues even until measuring 13½ (14, 14½, 15) inches. The pattern then changes to Single Stripe Pattern for continued length.

Armhole Shaping: Bind-off decreases are worked at the beginning of rows, first binding off 3 (4, 5, 6) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. Additional decreases continue with knit 2 together and slip-slip-knit decreases worked on right-side rows, reducing to 48 (52, 56, 60) stitches. The armhole is worked even until measuring 7 (7½, 8, 8½) inches.

Shoulder and Neck Shaping: The pattern includes bind-off instructions at the beginning of rows for shoulder shaping, with final bind-off of remaining 28 stitches to complete the back piece.

Materials Required

The Tiptoe Cardigan pattern calls for specific yarn colors from the Spud & Chloe by Blue Sky Fibers collection, including 7500 Ice Cream (A), 7502 Grass (B), 7508 Pollen (C), and 7510 Splash (D). Construction requires circular knitting needles and straight needles appropriate to the yarn weight for achieving the specified gauge. The cardigan closure includes six ¼- to ⅜-inch buttons and one 1- to 1¼-inch button. Additional materials include cardboard or card stock, likely for button bands or finishing details.