Tahki Yarns Lee Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Lee Cardigan Pattern Summary

What Is Being Made

The Lee Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Susan Mills, available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X. This garment features a finished bust measurement of 39½ inches (Small) up to 60 inches (3X), with a length ranging from 24½ to 27 inches depending on size. The cardigan is constructed as a button-front closure piece with seven 1-inch diameter buttons, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

The Lee Cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner-level crafters. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning each piece is knitted as individual flat panels. The construction follows a bottom-up approach, beginning with the ribbed cuffs and working upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The cardigan features seamedwelt pockets, which are functional pockets integrated into the body of the garment, and buttonholes positioned along the front placket to accommodate the button closures. The buttons themselves serve as both functional and decorative elements.

Stitches Used

The Lee Cardigan relies primarily on two fundamental stitch patterns. Stockinette stitch (St st) forms the main body of the cardigan, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This classic stitch produces a smooth, uniform fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns. K1, P1 Rib is used for the ribbed edgings, including the cuffs and waistband sections. This rib stitch alternates single knit stitches with single purl stitches in each row, creating vertical columns that provide elasticity and a fitted appearance. The ribbing measures 2½ inches in length before transitioning to the main stockinette body.

Materials and Specifications

The Lee Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Tahki Yarns DONEGAL TWEED, a 100% wool yarn available in color #862 denim. The yardage requirements vary by size: Small through Medium require 7 skeins, Large requires 8 skeins, Medium Large and XL require 9 skeins, and 2X and 3X require 10 skeins. Each skein contains 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of yarn with 183 yards (167 meters) of yardage per skein. Two pairs of needles are required: size 8 (5mm) needles for the main stockinette fabric and size 7 (4.5mm) needles for the ribbed sections. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern placement, stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction, a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends, and seven buttons measuring 1 inch (25mm) in diameter. The recommended gauge is 17 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working stockinette stitch with the larger needles.

Construction Details

The cardigan is constructed from multiple pieces that are later seamed together. The back panel is cast on with 84 to 128 stitches depending on size, beginning with K1, P1 ribbing for 2½ inches. The piece then transitions to stockinette stitch and continues until reaching 16½ inches in length. Armhole shaping is achieved by binding off stitches at the beginning of rows, followed by decreases worked at the armhole edges. The left and right front panels are cast on with 40 to 62 stitches and follow a similar construction method, with the addition of pocket lining insertion at 7½ inches from the cast-on edge. The pocket lining involves binding off a section of stitches in ribbing pattern and later inserting a prepared pocket lining behind the opening. Buttonholes are incorporated into the right front band to accommodate the seven buttons, allowing the cardigan to fasten securely across the front closure.