Tahki Yarns Marion Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Marion Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Marion cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted garment designed by Melissa LaBarre. This pattern offers six sizes ranging from XSmall to 2X-Large, with finished bust measurements from 31 inches (77.5 cm) to 51½ inches (129 cm) and lengths from 17¾ inches (44.5 cm) to 21¾ inches (54.5 cm). The cardigan is a classic wardrobe staple suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Construction Techniques

The Marion cardigan employs a seamless, top-down construction method, which means knitters begin at the neckline and work downward toward the hem. This approach eliminates the need for seaming pieces together after completion, resulting in a more polished finish and simplified assembly. The pattern uses both flat and circular knitting techniques. The body is initially worked flat on circular needles, allowing for easy stitch management and the ability to try on the garment during construction. The sleeves are later worked in the round using double-pointed needles, a common method for creating seamless cylindrical pieces.

The design incorporates strategic increases at marked intervals to shape the body and create proper fit. These increases are worked on both right-side and wrong-side rows, allowing the cardigan to achieve its intended silhouette with graduated shaping throughout the body and underarm sections.

Stitches Used

The Marion cardigan primarily features Stockinette Stitch, the most fundamental knit stitch pattern. Stockinette is created by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows, producing a smooth, classic fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns on the front and horizontal bumps on the back. This stitch is ideal for showcasing the yarn's natural texture and drape.

Garter Stitch is also incorporated into the pattern design. When worked flat, Garter Stitch is created by knitting every row, producing a reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. When worked in the round, Garter Stitch alternates between purl rounds and knit rounds to achieve the same textured appearance. Garter Stitch provides structure and definition to specific sections of the cardigan.

The pattern employs increase techniques including M1L (Make 1 Left) and M1R (Make 1 Right), which are nearly invisible increases created by lifting the strand between stitches and working it through the back loop. The pattern also uses pfb (purl front and back) increases for shaping on wrong-side rows.

Materials and Tools

The Marion cardigan is knitted using Tahki Yarns KIAWAH, a blend of 55% lambswool and 45% cotton. This fiber composition creates a yarn with excellent warmth, breathability, and drape—the lambswool provides insulation and elasticity while the cotton adds structure and a subtle sheen. The yarn is supplied in balls of 1.75 ounces (50 grams) with 128 yards (117 meters) per ball. The pattern requires 7 to 11 balls depending on size, with larger sizes requiring additional yardage. The color specified in the pattern is #033 Marlin, a sophisticated neutral shade.

Knitters will need size 8 (5 mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches (100 cm) for the main body work, along with four size 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needles for sleeve construction. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, waste yarn for temporarily holding stitches, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and any finishing work. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch when blocked, making accurate gauge checking essential before beginning the project.