Tahki Yarns Basalt Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Basalt Cardigan

Project Overview

The Basalt Cardigan is an easy-level knitted cardigan designed by Therese Chynoweth. This garment is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach and is worked flat in pieces before assembly. The cardigan features seven button closures and is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3XL, with finished bust measurements from 33¼ inches (84.5 cm) to 58 inches (147.5 cm) and lengths from 24 to 27 inches (61 to 68.5 cm). The pattern includes inset pockets for added functionality and practical design.

Knitting Techniques

This cardigan employs several intermediate knitting techniques suitable for knitters with beginner to intermediate experience. The garment is worked flat in separate pieces rather than in the round, allowing for easier construction and customization. Pieces are seamed together after completion, creating clean, professional-looking seams. The pattern incorporates cable work as a decorative element, utilizing special cable techniques that add visual interest and texture to the finished piece.

Cable techniques used include 2/2 LC (left cross) and 2/2 RC (right cross) maneuvers, which involve slipping stitches to a cable needle and crossing them over working stitches to create the characteristic twisted cable patterns. A 13-stitch cable panel measures 2 inches (5 cm) in width, providing clear gauge reference for this decorative element.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The Basalt Cardigan is primarily constructed in stockinette stitch (St st), the fundamental knit stitch that creates a smooth, classic fabric. This stitch is combined with cable panels for textural variation. The pattern employs standard increase and decrease techniques including:

• M1L (Make 1 left): A left-leaning increase worked by lifting the strand between needles from front to back and knitting through the back loop
• M1R (Make 1 right): A right-leaning increase worked by lifting the strand between needles from back to front and knitting through the front loop
• M1p (Make 1 purlwise): A purlwise increase for maintaining pattern continuity in purl sections
• K2tog (knit 2 together): A basic right-leaning decrease
• SSK (slip, slip, knit): A left-leaning decrease created by slipping two stitches knitwise individually, then knitting them together through the back loops

Yarn and Materials

The Basalt Cardigan is knitted using Tahki Yarns Kaleidoscope in colorway #2434 starry night. This yarn is composed of 86% superwash wool and 14% acrylic, making it durable, easy-care, and suitable for frequent wear and washing. Each ball contains 3.5 ounces (100 grams) with 218 yards (198 meters) of yardage. The pattern requires 4 to 7 balls depending on size, with smaller sizes (XS through Large) requiring 4–5 balls and larger sizes (Large through 3XL) requiring 6–7 balls.

Needles, Notions, and Gauge

The cardigan is worked on US 7 (4.5mm) straight needles for the body pieces, with a US 7 (4.5mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches (80 cm) reserved for the neckband. The pattern specifies a gauge of 16½ stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit.

Additional materials include a cable needle for executing cable crosses, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, stitch holders for securing stitches during construction, seven 1-inch (25mm) buttons for the front closure, and a yarn needle for seaming pieces together and weaving in ends. These notions are standard for cardigan construction and ensure professional finishing.

Construction Method

The Basalt Cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed method