Tahki Yarns Dunquin Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Dunquin Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Dunquin Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Joan Forgione. This garment is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 37½ inches (95 cm) to 57¼ inches (145.5 cm) and lengths from 21½ inches (54.5 cm) to 25½ inches (65 cm). The cardigan features a classic construction with set-in sleeves and includes functional pockets, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

The Dunquin Cardigan employs a bottom-up seamed construction, meaning the body and sleeves are knitted separately from the bottom edge upward and then sewn together. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and fit adjustments throughout the knitting process. The pattern incorporates several intermediate-level shaping techniques including strategic increases and decreases to create proper garment proportions. Pocket construction is integrated into the body, with pocket stitches worked separately and then picked up from spare needles to create functional openings. The cardigan also features ribbed edging details worked in Moss stitch, which provides a refined, textured border.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch for the body and main fabric, creating a smooth, classic knit surface
• Moss Stitch: Used for edging and pocket borders, providing a textured, decorative finish
• Knit 2 Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Make 1 Left (M1L) and Make 1 Right (M1R): Invisible increase techniques that add stitches while maintaining fabric integrity
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk) and Slip, Slip, Purl (ssp): Left-leaning decrease techniques for shaping

Materials and Gauge

The Dunquin Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Tahki Yarns DONEGAL TWEED FINE, a premium blend of 70% merino wool and 30% mohair. This fiber content creates a soft, lustrous fabric with excellent drape and warmth. The yarn is available in color #2704 light grey and comes in 1.75 oz (50g) balls with 218 yards (200 meters) per ball. Depending on size, the project requires 7 to 11 balls of yarn.

The pattern calls for size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles in a 40-inch (100 cm) length for working the body in the round, along with a matching set of double-pointed needles for smaller circumferences such as sleeves and neckbands. Two additional spare circular needles of the same size are needed for pocket construction and stitch management. A yarn needle is required for seaming the garment pieces together.

The recommended gauge is 25 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch, blocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit, and knitters are advised to take time to check gauge before beginning the project.