Tahki Yarns Idyll Jacket Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Idyll Jacket

What Is Being Made

The Idyll Jacket is a seamed knit cardigan designed by Joan Forgione. This garment is worked flat on straight needles and features a classic cardigan construction with shaped armholes and shoulders. The jacket is available in three size ranges: Small/Medium, Large/XL, and 2X/3X, with finished back widths ranging from 20 to 24 inches and back lengths from 23½ to 25½ inches.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs seamed construction, meaning individual pieces are knitted separately and then sewn together to form the finished garment. The jacket is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and pattern work.

The pattern incorporates two specialized cast-on techniques to achieve refined finishing:

• Cable Cast-On: A traditional method where new stitches are created by inserting the right-hand needle between existing stitches and pulling loops through to the front, building a sturdy edge ideal for garment construction.
• Italian Tubular Cast-On: An advanced technique using waste yarn and smaller needles to create a smooth, elastic edge. This method involves knitting and purling with waste yarn, then switching to the working yarn and picking up stitches between the waste yarn loops for a professional, seamless appearance.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is k3, p1 rib (knit 3 stitches, purl 1 stitch, repeated). This classic ribbed texture provides elasticity and structure to the cardigan, making it ideal for fitted garments. The rib pattern creates vertical lines that flatter the wearer while allowing the fabric to stretch and recover.

Additional stitch techniques employed include:

• M1L (Make 1 Left): An invisible increase worked by lifting the strand between needles and knitting or purling through the back loop to prevent holes and maintain pattern integrity.
• Slip stitches (sl): Used at edges for a clean, finished selvage. Stitches are slipped with yarn in front (wyif) or yarn in back (wyib) depending on row direction.

Materials and Gauge

The Idyll Jacket is knitted using Tahki Yarns Arlington, a premium blend yarn composed of 50% fine merino wool, 25% superfine alpaca, and 25% acrylic. This fiber combination provides warmth, softness, and durability. The yarn is supplied in balls of 1.75 ounces (50 grams) with 82 yards (75 meters) per ball. Color #02 almond is used in this pattern. Yardage requirements are 17 balls for Small/Medium, 19 balls for Large/XL, and 21 balls for 2X/3X.

The pattern calls for size 10 (6mm) needles or whatever size is needed to obtain the correct gauge. The target gauge is 16 stitches and 23 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in k3, p1 rib. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the finished garment to match the intended measurements.

Additional supplies include stitch markers, locking stitch markers or safety pins for holding stitches, and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends.