Tahki Yarns Creswell Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Creswell Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Tahki Yarns Creswell Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Joan Beebe. This garment is available in seven sizes ranging from X-Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 36½ inches (92.5 cm) to 60¼ inches (153.5 cm) and lengths from 24 inches (61 cm) to 27 inches (68.5 cm). The cardigan features elegant lace patterning throughout, making it a sophisticated layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that contribute to its refined appearance and fit:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing for easy adjustments to length during the knitting process.
• Worked Flat: The pieces are knitted flat on circular needles rather than in the round, which is typical for cardigan construction and allows for easier shaping and seaming.
• Lace Patterning: An intricate lace pattern is incorporated throughout the garment, creating visual interest and a delicate drape. The lace pattern is based on a multiple of 10 stitches plus 1, repeating over 12 rows.
• Short Rows with Wrap and Turn: The pattern employs short-row shaping using the wrap and turn (W&T) technique, which allows for three-dimensional shaping without visible gaps in the fabric.
• Seamed Construction: Individual pieces are seamed together using a three-needle bind-off technique, which joins two pieces while simultaneously binding off stitches for a neat, secure seam.

Stitches Used

The Creswell Cardigan incorporates fundamental and decorative knitting stitches:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used for the body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side.
• Yarn Overs (yo): Used extensively throughout the lace pattern to create decorative holes and openings that define the lace design.
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease stitch used to shape the garment and create the lace pattern structure.
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease stitch that pairs with k2tog decreases to create balanced, symmetrical lace motifs.
• Slip Stitch Wyib (sl 1 wyib): A slip stitch worked with yarn in back, used decoratively within the lace pattern.
• Purl Stitch (p): Used on wrong-side rows to create the reverse stockinette accents within the lace pattern.

Materials

The Creswell Cardigan requires specific materials to achieve the intended gauge and drape:

• Yarn: Tahki Yarns CORONADO, a luxurious blend of 90% cotton and 10% silk. This fiber content provides breathability, subtle sheen, and elegant drape. The yarn is available in 1.75 oz (50g) balls, each containing 121 yards (112 meters). Depending on size, the cardigan requires 10 to 15 balls, with smaller sizes using 10 balls and larger sizes up to 15 balls. The pattern specifies color #03 grey.
• Needles: Two circular needles are required—one size 5 (3.75 mm) needle and one size 7 (4.5 mm) needle, both 32 inches (80 cm) long. The smaller needle is used for ribbed edgings, while the larger needle is used for the main body and lace pattern.
• Notions: Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches during construction, and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Pattern Details

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. With the larger size 7 (4.5 mm) needles, the stockinette stitch gauge is 22½ stitches and 31 rows over 4 inches (10 cm). The lace pattern gauge is 20 stitches and 32