Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Halle Front-Tie Cardigan Knitting

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Halle Front-Tie Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Halle Front-Tie Cardigan is a sophisticated knitted cardigan designed by Irina Poludnenko, available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X. This garment features a front-tie closure detail and is crafted to create an elegant, wearable piece. The finished bust measurements range from 38 inches (96.5 cm) in the Small size to 59 inches (150 cm) in the 3X size, with lengths varying from 18.5 inches (47 cm) to 22 inches (56 cm) depending on the size selected.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up seamed approach, meaning the pieces are knitted from the lower edge upward and then sewn together to create the finished garment. The pattern is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and construction. The design incorporates strategic increases and decreases to shape the body, sleeves, and shoulders, with specific shaping sequences for the armholes, sleeve caps, and neckline. The front-tie feature adds a distinctive design element to this cardigan style.

Stitches Used

The Halle Front-Tie Cardigan employs several key stitch patterns to create visual interest and texture:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The foundational stitch worked by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Seed Stitch – A textured stitch created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern (worked over a multiple of 2 stitches plus 1), which adds visual depth and dimension to the design
• Slip-Stitch Pattern 1 – A 13-stitch panel pattern that combines seed stitch with slip-stitch elements worked in two different yarns (A and B), creating a sophisticated textured panel
• Slip-Stitch Pattern 2 – A multiple of 4 stitches plus 3, which incorporates slipped stitches to create a refined texture throughout the main body of the cardigan

Materials

The Halle Front-Tie Cardigan is designed to showcase luxurious yarn fibers. The pattern calls for S. Charles Collezione STELLA yarn as the primary yarn (A), a blend of 74% silk and 26% lurex that provides elegance and subtle shimmer. This yarn comes in 0.88 oz (25g) balls with 76.5 yards (70 meters) per ball, and quantities range from 5 balls for the Small size to 9 balls for the 3X size. The pattern also incorporates S. Charles Collezione LUNA yarn (B) as an accent, composed of 71% super kid mohair, 20% silk, and 9% lurex, offering exceptional softness and luxury. LUNA is available in 0.88 oz (25g) balls with 232 yards (212.5 meters) per ball, with 2 to 3 balls required depending on size. Both yarns are worked in the color #13 comet.

The pattern specifies size 7 (4.5mm) needles or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. Additional supplies include stitch holders, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for seaming and finishing.

Gauge Information

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies two different gauges depending on the stitch pattern being worked: 26 stitches and 30 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in Slip-Stitch Pattern 1, and 20 stitches and 26 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in Slip-Stitch Pattern 2. Knitters are advised to take time to check gauges before beginning, as proper gauge ensures the finished cardigan will meet the intended measurements and drape correctly.