Tahki Yarns Blue Ridge Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Blue Ridge Cardigan: Knitted Pattern Summary

What Is Being Made

The Blue Ridge is an intermediate-level cardigan designed by Nancy Camposano, available in two sizes: Small/Medium with a finished bust measurement of 47 inches (119.5 cm) and length of 30¾ inches (78 cm), or Large/XL with a 51-inch bust (129.5 cm) and 31½-inch length (80 cm). This is a classic bottom-up seamed cardigan constructed with a structured, tailored fit suitable for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

The Blue Ridge employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create visual interest and depth. The garment features bottom-up construction, meaning the back and fronts are knitted from the lower edge upward before being seamed together. Intarsia colorwork is used to create distinct color blocks that shift across the body, requiring careful yarn management to prevent holes where colors change. Striped sections are incorporated throughout the design, worked by carrying unused yarn colors loosely along the sides rather than cutting them, which maintains continuity and reduces finishing work. The pattern is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and all pieces are seamed together after completion. This combination of techniques creates a sophisticated, multi-colored design with clean construction lines.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the cardigan is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern on the right side. The neckband and ribbed edges are worked in K2, P2 Rib (a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2), which provides elasticity and a finished appearance. Slip stitch details are incorporated within the striped sections using the technique of slipping stitches with yarn in front (wyif), which creates subtle texture variations and helps blend color transitions.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Blue Ridge is designed to be knitted with Tahki Yarns COTTON CLASSIC, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn. The yardage per skein is 108 yards (100 meters) with each skein weighing 1.75 ounces (50 grams). The pattern requires four to five skeins each of four coordinating colors depending on size: color #3824 marina blue (A) for the primary color, color #3226 oatmeal (B), color #3203 light milk chocolate (C), and color #3003 linen white (D). The mercerized cotton fiber provides a smooth, lustrous finish with excellent stitch definition, making it ideal for displaying the colorwork and stitch patterns.

Knitting needles required include one pair of size 7 (4.5mm) needles for the main fabric and one pair of size 6 (4mm) needles for the ribbed cast-on edge. A size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle measuring 40 inches (100 cm) long is needed for the neckband. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and color changes, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming the finished pieces together.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, which is essential to check before beginning to ensure the finished cardigan matches the intended measurements. The back is cast on with 106 (114) stitches using the smaller needles and color A, establishing the width of the garment. The construction progresses through multiple sections that introduce different color combinations and stripe patterns, with the colorwork sections requiring careful yarn twisting at color changes to maintain fabric integrity and prevent holes.

Design Features

• Multi-section colorwork design combining stripes and intarsia blocks
• Mercerized cotton yarn providing durability and a refined appearance
• Intermediate difficulty suitable for knitters with basic colorwork experience
• Seamed construction offering structured shaping and professional finishing
• Ribbed neckband and edges for a polished, wearable finish
• Two size options accommodating different body measurements