Tahki Yarns Gift Wrap Tabard Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Gift Wrap Tabard

What is Being Made

The Gift Wrap Tabard is a sleeveless knitted sweater designed by Teresa Chorzepa, available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X-Large. This garment features a classic tabard silhouette with a finished bust measurement of 36 to 56 inches and a length of 22 to 24.5 inches, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and styling preferences.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. The tabard is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, with pieces subsequently seamed together to create the finished garment. The design incorporates horizontal stripes created through alternating stitch patterns across the body of the piece, adding visual interest and texture to the finished tabard.

Stitches Used

The Gift Wrap Tabard utilizes several fundamental knitting stitches to create its structure and appearance:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout much of the garment, created by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side to produce a smooth, flat fabric with a characteristic V-pattern texture.
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch (Rev St st): The inverse of stockinette stitch, achieved by purling on the right side and knitting on the wrong side, creating a bumpy, textured surface that contrasts beautifully with stockinette sections.
• Knit 2, Purl 2 Ribbing (K2, p2 Rib): An elastic ribbed stitch used for the cuff at the neckline, providing stretch and recovery to ensure a comfortable, fitted neck opening.

The pattern stitch itself repeats over 14 rows: six rows of reverse stockinette stitch followed by eight rows of stockinette stitch. This creates horizontal stripes of contrasting texture that define the visual character of the tabard. The first and last three stitches of each row are maintained in stockinette stitch to create clean, finished edges suitable for seaming.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Gift Wrap Tabard is designed to be knitted with Tahki Yarns RIPPLE, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 4 balls for the smallest size to 7 balls for the largest sizes. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 142 yards (130 meters) of yarn. The pattern calls for color #12 clover, a neutral shade suitable for versatile styling. Mercerized cotton is a breathable, durable fiber that takes dye beautifully and develops a subtle sheen, making it ideal for garments intended as gifts or special pieces.

Needles and Tools

Construction requires size 6 (4mm) straight needles for working the main body pieces flat, along with a size 6 (4mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 centimeters) for picking up and working the neckband in the round. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the pattern stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and ensuring the garment fits correctly. Knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch, measure it carefully, and adjust needle size if necessary before beginning the project.

Construction Details

The back piece is cast on with the appropriate number of stitches for the chosen size and begins with ribbing at the lower edge. After the ribbed cuff, the pattern stitch is worked on the center stitches while maintaining stockinette edges. The piece is worked until it reaches 7 inches from the cast-on edge, then continues in pattern stitch until reaching 14.5 inches. Armhole shaping is then introduced through strategic decreases. The front piece follows a similar construction but includes neck shaping through additional decreases worked at regular intervals. Side seams are left unsewn for the lower 7 inches, creating open vents that enhance the tabard's silhouette. The neckband is worked in the round using a circular needle, with