Tahki Yarns Cape May Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Cape May Cardigan

Garment Overview

The Cape May Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Lidia Karabinech. This seamed cardigan features a sophisticated multi-color striped design worked flat on straight needles, with button closures for a classic, wearable construction. Available in four sizes ranging from Small to XL, the cardigan offers a comfortable fit with 4–6 inches of positive ease and measures 27½ inches in length to the shoulder.

Sizing and Fit

The Cape May Cardigan is offered in the following finished bust measurements:

• Small: 38 inches (96.5 cm)
• Medium: 43½ inches (110.5 cm)
• Large: 49 inches (124.5 cm)
• XL: 54 inches (137 cm)

The cardigan is designed to be worn with positive ease, providing a relaxed, comfortable fit rather than a close-fitting silhouette.

Construction Techniques

This cardigan employs seamed construction, meaning the body pieces are knitted separately and then sewn together at the seams. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and pattern work. The design incorporates buttonholes along the front opening, spaced to accommodate eight buttons for secure closure. The cardigan features prominent stripes throughout the body and fronts, created by changing yarn colors according to a detailed stripe sequence.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Cape May Cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches and stitch patterns suitable for an intermediate skill level:

• Stockinette Stitch – The primary fabric structure, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, producing a smooth, V-textured surface
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch – Achieved by purling on right-side rows and knitting on wrong-side rows, creating a bumpy, textured surface that contrasts with standard stockinette
• 2x2 Rib – A knit-purl pattern (K2, P2) used for ribbed edgings and cuffs, providing elasticity and structure
• Decreases – The pattern employs k2tog (knit 2 together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) decreases for shaping

Stripe Pattern

The body stripe sequence creates visual interest through a carefully planned color progression spanning 98 rows. The pattern alternates between the five yarn colors—natural (A), lichen (B), denim (C), lilac blossom (D), and orchid (E)—in varying stripe widths, from 2-row stripes to 10-row blocks, before repeating. This structured approach ensures consistent color placement across the back and front pieces.

Materials and Yarn

The Cape May Cardigan is designed for Tahki Yarns Classic Superwash, a 100% superwash wool yarn. Each ball contains 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and yields 218 yards (200 meters). The yardage requirements vary by size:

• Sizes Small and Medium: 4 balls of color #001 natural (A), plus 1 ball each of lichen (B) and denim (C), and 1 ball each of lilac blossom (D) and orchid (E)
• Sizes Large and XL: 5 balls of color #001 natural (A), plus 2 balls of lichen (B), 2 balls of denim (C), 2 balls of lilac blossom (D), and 2 balls of orchid (E)

Superwash wool is ideal for cardigans as it resists felting and is machine-washable, making the finished garment practical and easy to care for.

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles in both straight and circular formats. The circular needle (40 inches/100 cm) is used for working certain sections, while straight needles are used for the main flat-worked pieces. Additional supplies include stitch holders, markers, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, eight