Tahki Yarns Aberdeen Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Aberdeen Cardigan

Project Overview

The Aberdeen Cardigan is an easy-level knitted cardigan designed by Pam Grushkin, offered in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL. This seamed, flat-worked cardigan features a classic construction ideal for beginner knitters seeking to build foundational skills in garment assembly and shaping techniques.

Garment Specifications

Sizing and Fit: The cardigan is available in sizes XS (Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2XL) with finished bust measurements of 35 (37, 39, 43, 47, 51) inches / 89 (94, 99, 109, 119.5, 129.5) cm. The garment is designed to fit with 5–7 inches (12.5–18 cm) of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. Length measurements range from 24¾ to 26¾ inches (63–68 cm) depending on size.

Materials and Tools Required

Yarn: The Aberdeen Cardigan is knitted using Tahki Yarns Highland Roving, a 100% fine Highland wool yarn. The project requires 6 (7, 7, 8, 9, 9) skeins, with each skein containing 5¼ ounces (150 grams) and yielding 90 yards (82 meters) of yardage. The pattern is worked in color #01 natural.

Needles and Notions: One size 17 (12.75mm) circular needle measuring 40 inches (100 cm) long is required, or a size adjusted to obtain proper gauge. Additional supplies include waste yarn or spare circular needles for holding stitches, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Knitting Techniques

The Aberdeen Cardigan employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginner-level crafters. The garment is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing knitters to develop comfort with basic row-by-row construction before tackling more advanced methods.

Seaming Method: Pieces are joined using the three-needle bind-off technique, a method that simultaneously binds off stitches while seaming two pieces together. This technique eliminates the need for separate seaming steps and creates a secure, finished join. The pattern notes that for a decorative seam visible on the right side, pieces can be worked with wrong sides facing each other during the three-needle bind-off process.

Shaping Techniques: The pattern incorporates short rows worked with the wrap and turn (W&T) method, a shaping technique that creates subtle contours without visible holes. This method involves slipping a stitch to the right-hand needle, bringing the working yarn to the opposite side of the work, slipping the stitch back to the left-hand needle, and returning the yarn to its original position before turning the work to knit in the opposite direction.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: The primary stitch pattern, created by knitting every row. Garter stitch produces a dense, textured fabric with horizontal ridges on both sides, making it an excellent choice for beginners due to its simplicity and forgiving nature.
• K1, P1 Rib: Used for ribbed edgings and cuffs, this alternating knit and purl stitch pattern creates vertical columns of texture. The pattern is worked over an odd number of stitches, with slip-stitch selvage edges (slipping the first stitch of each row) for neat, finished edges.

Gauge and Quality Control

Proper gauge is essential for garment fit and is achieved at 8 stitches and 14 rows equaling 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in garter stitch. The pattern emphasizes taking time to check gauge before beginning the project, as even small variations can significantly affect the finished measurements of the cardigan.

Pattern Format

This pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF document, making it accessible for immediate use and convenient for reference during the knitting process. The format allows knitters to print the pattern or view it digitally while working.