Tahki Yarns Abilene Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Abilene Knitted Sweater

What is Being Made

The Abilene is an advanced-level knitted sweater designed by Joan Beebe, available in six sizes ranging from X-Small to 2X. This pullover features a sophisticated construction with a center lace panel and cable details, offering bust measurements from 38 to 58 inches (96.5 to 147.5 cm) and a center back length between 24 and 26.5 inches (61 to 67.5 cm).

Techniques Used

This sweater employs multiple advanced knitting techniques suitable for experienced crafters. The garment is worked in the round for the body and sleeves, utilizing both circular needles and double-pointed needles to create seamless construction. Cable stitches are incorporated throughout the design, with specific cable abbreviations including C2B (cable 2 back) and C2F (cable 2 front) to create textured, twisted stitch patterns. The design features a prominent lace center panel measuring approximately 8 inches wide (20.5 cm), which adds visual interest and complexity to the garment. Seaming techniques are employed for finishing details, and short-row shaping is used to contour the lower edge and create a custom fit.

Stitches Used

The Abilene pattern utilizes a variety of essential knitting stitches and techniques. Stockinette stitch (St st) forms the primary fabric base, worked at a gauge of 16 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) with the larger needles. Ribbing creates the cuffs and waistband, established with knit and purl combinations in a k2, p2 pattern. Cable stitches including C2B and C2F add dimensional texture. Decreases are worked using ssk (slip, slip, knit) and sssk (slip, slip, slip, knit) techniques for shaping. Through-the-back-loop stitches (k1-tbl) are used strategically, particularly in the center panel sections, to create definition and visual separation. Wrap and turn (w&t) short-row shaping techniques contour the garment's lower edge for improved fit.

Materials and Specifications

The Abilene is designed to be knitted with Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed, a 100% new wool yarn available in color #848 cream. Yardage requirements vary by size: X-Small and Small require 6 skeins, Medium requires 7 skeins, Large and XL require 8 skeins, and 2X requires 9 skeins. Each skein contains 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and provides 183 yards (167 meters) of yardage.

The pattern requires multiple needle sizes to accommodate different stitch densities. Size 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch (40 cm) and 32-inch (80 cm) lengths are used with the larger gauge for the main body and sleeves worked in stockinette stitch. A set of size 9 (5.5 mm) double-pointed needles facilitates working small circumferences at the cuffs. Size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in 16-inch and 32-inch lengths, along with a matching set of size 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles, are used for ribbed edgings where a tighter gauge is required. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, stitch holders or waste yarn for managing live stitches, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming.

Pattern Highlights

The sweater begins with a set-up round establishing multiple pattern sections. The body is cast on using the longer smaller circular needle, then joined for working in the round with careful attention to avoid twisting stitches. Ribbing measures 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) from the beginning before shaping begins. The lower edge features short-row shaping to create a custom contour, with the pattern providing specific instructions for working right-side and wrong-side short rows. The 35-stitch center panel, worked with lace and cable techniques, creates a focal point approximately 8 inches wide. Stitch markers clearly delineate different sections of the pattern, allowing knitters to track the center panel and side sections independently. This advanced project requires careful attention to gauge and pattern