Tahki Yarns Friendship Modular Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Friendship Modular Cardigan

Garment Overview

The Friendship Modular Cardigan is a lightweight knitted cardigan designed by Anne Edwards Richardson. This downloadable pattern creates a stylish layering piece with a unique modular construction method. The cardigan features a distinctive collar assembly that integrates with the body and sleeves, creating an interesting architectural design. Available in four sizes—Small, Medium, Large, and XL—the cardigan measures 21 to 24 inches across the back and ranges from 14 to 16 inches in length at its shortest point.

Construction Techniques

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, worked-flat approach. The pattern employs a modular construction method where individual pieces—the collar, body, and sleeves—are knitted separately and then strategically assembled together. The collar is folded in half and pinned at specific points to create the armholes, then sewn to designated sections of the body. The sleeves are subsequently fitted and sewn into the armholes created by this collar assembly. This modular technique allows for interesting design possibilities and precise fit adjustments during the finishing stage.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The cardigan is primarily worked in Reverse Stockinette stitch, which creates a textured, purl-bumped fabric on the right side of the garment. Reverse Stockinette stitch is achieved by purling on the right side and knitting on the wrong side, producing a distinctive aesthetic that differs from traditional stockinette. The pattern also incorporates crochet chain stitches for the button loops, which are created using a crochet hook along the body edge to form functional closures.

Materials and Yarn

The Friendship Modular Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Tahki Yarns RIPPLE, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn. Depending on the size selected, the pattern requires 8 to 10 balls of yarn, with each ball weighing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and containing 142 yards (130 meters) of yardage. The sample shown is worked in color #05 ocean. Mercerized cotton creates a smooth, lustrous fabric with excellent drape, making it ideal for warm-weather garments and layering pieces.

Needles, Hooks, and Notions

The cardigan is knitted using size 7 (4.5mm) needles worked in pairs for the flat construction. A size F-5 (3.75mm) crochet hook is used for creating the crochet chain button loops. The pattern calls for four buttons measuring ⅞ inch (22mm) in diameter for the main button closures. Additionally, four optional smaller buttons measuring ⅝ inch (16mm) in diameter are recommended for stabilization; these are placed on the wrong side of the fabric behind the main buttons to distribute stress and ensure durability. A yarn needle is required for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Reverse Stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and proper fit. Knitters are advised to take time to check gauge before beginning the project to ensure accurate results.

Pattern Construction Details

Collar: Cast on 64 to 72 stitches depending on size and work in Reverse Stockinette stitch until the piece measures 41 to 44 inches from the beginning, then bind off.

Body: Cast on 90 to 104 stitches depending on size and work in Reverse Stockinette stitch until the piece measures 20 to 21 inches from the beginning. Bind off 30 to 40 stitches at the beginning of the next row, leaving 60 to 64 stitches remaining. Continue working until the piece measures 41 to 45 inches from the beginning, then bind off.

Sleeves: Pattern details for sleeve construction are referenced but specific cast-on and measurement information is indicated to follow in the complete pattern document.

Finishing and Assembly

After all pieces are knitted, they are blocked to the specified measurements to ensure proper dimensions and even fabric texture. Sleeve seams are sewn together using a yarn needle. The collar is folded in half and pinned at point A to create the armhole opening. The body sections are