Tahki Yarns Brunnea Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Brunnea Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Brunnea is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Tian Foley. This garment is constructed from the bottom up and features a classic cardigan silhouette available in four sizes: Small (bust 37"), Medium (bust 41¾"), Large (bust 46¾"), and Extra Large (bust 53"). The finished length ranges from 19½" to 22½" depending on size, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and proportions.

Techniques Used

The Brunnea cardigan employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and structural sophistication to the design:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is knitted from the lower edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the piece as it progresses and easily adjust length before binding off.
• Worked Flat: The pattern is worked on flat needles using back-and-forth rows rather than in the round, making it accessible to knitters who prefer traditional flat knitting methods.
• Lace Patterning: Decorative lace elements are incorporated throughout the design, created using yarn overs and decreases to form openwork motifs that add elegance and breathability to the organic cotton fabric.
• Seamed Construction: Pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together, providing clean, professional finishing and allowing for precise shaping at armholes and side seams.
• Short-Row Shaping: Short rows are used to create tailored shaping in specific areas, contributing to the garment's custom fit.
• Three-Needle Bind-Off: This advanced finishing technique is used to join pieces together while creating a secure, elastic edge.

Stitches Used

The Brunnea incorporates a variety of fundamental and decorative stitches that work together to create texture and structure:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout much of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric surface. Gauge for Stockinette stitch is 13 stitches and 21 rows over 4 inches (10 cm).
• Garter Stitch: Knit on every row to create a textured, reversible fabric used in specific sections for contrast and structure.
• Lace Pattern: A repeating 4-stitch multiple lace pattern worked over 12 rows creates decorative openwork. The pattern alternates between yarn overs and decreases (ssk and k2tog) to form the characteristic lace motifs. Gauge for the lace pattern is 12 stitches and 21 rows over 4 inches (10 cm).
• K2, P2 Rib: A classic ribbed stitch worked in a multiple of 4 stitches, used for cuffs and edges to create elasticity and a polished finish.

Materials and Tools

The Brunnea is designed to be knitted with specific materials that contribute to its drape, comfort, and finished appearance:

• Yarn: Tahki Yarns Hatteras in color #04 seafoam, a 100% organic cotton yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size: Small requires 6 balls, Medium requires 7 balls, Large requires 8 balls, and Extra Large requires 9 balls. Each ball contains 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and provides 109 yards (100 meters) of yarn. The organic cotton fiber creates a breathable, lightweight fabric ideal for warm-weather wear.
• Needles: One size US 10 (6mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches (60 cm) long, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. The circular needle is used for flat knitting despite its circular construction.
• Notions: Stitch holders or waste yarn to hold stitches temporarily during construction, stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for seaming pieces together and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Fit

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project's success. The pattern specifies two different gauges depending on the stitch pattern being worked: 13 stitches and 21 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch, while 12 stitches and 21 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm