Tahki Yarns Cruise Ship Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Cruise Ship Cardigan

Garment Overview

The Cruise Ship Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Rosemary Drysdale, crafted from Tahki Yarns Ripple yarn in a lightweight mercerized cotton. This garment is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 35 inches to 55 inches and lengths from 21 to 23.5 inches, making it a versatile piece suitable for various body types and preferences.

Construction Technique

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, worked-flat method. The pattern pieces are knitted individually on straight needles and then assembled together, allowing for precise shaping and control throughout the construction process. This traditional approach makes the pattern accessible to knitters of intermediate skill level.

Primary Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the body and sleeves of the cardigan, created by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side to produce a smooth, classic fabric texture
• K1, P1 Rib: Used for the ribbed edging at the cast-on edge, creating an elastic, fitted border that helps the garment maintain its shape

Pattern Structure and Shaping

The cardigan features distinct front and back panels with integrated sleeve shaping. The back panel begins with a ribbed edge, transitions to stockinette stitch, and includes strategic decreases along the sides for a fitted silhouette. Sleeve shaping is accomplished through progressive cast-ons that gradually increase width, creating a structured sleeve cap. The left and right fronts mirror each other with reversed shaping, maintaining the ribbed border on the right side while shaping the body and armholes. Shoulder shaping is achieved through a series of bind-offs that gradually decrease stitches, creating a smooth shoulder line.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern calls for Tahki Yarns Ripple, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn. The yardage requirements range from 5 balls for the smallest size to 9 balls for the largest size. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 142 yards (130 meters) of yarn. The color specified is #01 pearl, a classic neutral shade. The mercerized cotton construction provides a smooth, lustrous finish with excellent drape, making this an ideal choice for a warm-weather cardigan.

Tools and Gauge

The pattern requires size 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles, or the size necessary to obtain the correct gauge. The specified gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit and finished measurements. Additional tools needed include stitch markers for tracking pattern sections and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.

Finishing and Assembly

The finishing process involves blocking all pieces to their specified measurements to ensure proper dimensions and even fabric texture. Shoulder seams are sewn together first, followed by side seams, creating a cohesive garment structure. All yarn ends are woven in securely to complete the cardigan.