Tahki Yarns Bethel Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Bethel Cardigan

Garment Overview

The Bethel Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Susan Baron. This classic button-front cardigan is constructed using the bottom-up method and worked flat on straight or circular needles. Available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2X, with finished bust measurements from 35 inches (89 cm) to 49¾ inches (126.5 cm), the Bethel offers a versatile fit for various body types.

Construction Techniques

This cardigan is built using several key knitting techniques that contribute to its structured, professional finish:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The garment is knitted from the lower edge upward, allowing for easy adjustments to length during the knitting process.
• Worked Flat: Pieces are knitted on straight needles or the flat method on circular needles, creating separate front and back panels that are later seamed together.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces are joined using yarn needle seaming techniques to create a cohesive garment.
• Buttonholes: The pattern includes buttonhole construction, allowing for functional button closures along the front opening.
• I-Cord Edging: Two size 5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needles are used to create an I-cord, which provides a refined, finished edge detail.
• Shoulder Shaping: Strategic bind-offs at the beginning of rows create proper shoulder slope and fit.

Stitch Work and Patterning

The Bethel Cardigan features the Ladder and Vine stitch pattern, a sophisticated multi-row repeat that creates visual texture and interest throughout the garment. This pattern is a multiple of 9 stitches plus 7, requiring careful stitch counting and attention to pattern placement.

The Ladder and Vine pattern consists of a four-row repeat combining several fundamental knitting stitches:

• Knit-Through-Back-Loop (k1-tbl): Creates twisted stitches that add definition to the pattern.
• Purl (p1): Forms the contrasting texture against knit stitches.
• Yarn-Over (yo): Creates decorative eyelet holes that are characteristic of the Vine portion of the pattern.
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease used in conjunction with yarn-overs to create the lace elements.
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease that balances the ssk decreases.

The pattern requires maintaining a gauge of 24 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in the Ladder and Vine pattern. Accurate gauge is essential for proper fit and drape of the finished cardigan.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Bethel Cardigan pattern calls for Tahki Yarns TIBURON, a natural fiber blend consisting of 50% organic cotton and 50% lyocell. This fiber composition creates a fabric with excellent breathability and a subtle sheen characteristic of lyocell. The yarn is supplied in balls of 1.75 ounces (50 grams) with 110 yards (100 meters) per ball.

Yardage requirements vary by size:

• XS: 11 balls (1,210 yards / 1,100 meters)
• S: 12 balls (1,320 yards / 1,200 meters)
• M: 13 balls (1,430 yards / 1,300 meters)
• L: 14 balls (1,540 yards / 1,400 meters)
• XL: 15 balls (1,650 yards / 1,500 meters)
• 2X: 16 balls (1,760 yards / 1,600 meters)

The pattern was worked in color #12 orchid. The organic cotton and lyocell blend makes this cardigan suitable for warm-weather wear while maintaining structure and durability.

Needles and Notions

The Bethel Cardigan requires Size 5 (3.75mm) needles, available in straight or circular formats depending