Tahki Yarns Palapa Shell Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Palapa Shell

What Is Being Made

The Palapa Shell is a knitted sweater vest designed by Irina Poludnenko, available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X. This garment features a sophisticated construction with a fitted bust measurement ranging from 37 inches (Small) to 60 inches (3X), and a length spanning from 18¼ inches to 23½ inches depending on size. The shell is ideal for layering and offers a versatile piece suitable for intermediate-level knitters.

Techniques Used

The Palapa Shell employs several advanced knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure. The garment is worked flat on straight needles, then seamed together to form the finished piece. Construction follows a bottom-up approach, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses. The pattern incorporates cable work throughout, including Right Cable, Left Cable, and a prominent Center Cable Panel that measures 2½ inches wide. Lace elements are integrated through Lace Rib stitch patterns worked on both the left and right sides of the design, creating an elegant openwork aesthetic that complements the cable details.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes a variety of fundamental and decorative stitches. Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric base, worked by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. Reverse Stockinette stitch is incorporated for textural contrast, created by purling on right-side rows and knitting on wrong-side rows. K1, P1 Rib provides structural stability and appears in the neckband and armhole edgings. The cable stitches include C6B (slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold in back, knit 3, then knit 3 from cable needle) and C6F (slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, knit 3, then knit 3 from cable needle), which create the distinctive twisted rope textures. Lace Rib patterns on both sides incorporate yarn overs and decreases (yo, ssk, k2tog) to form openwork sections that add breathability and visual sophistication to the design.

Materials and Tools

The Palapa Shell is designed to be worked in Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn available in 1.75-ounce skeins with 108 yards per skein. The pattern calls for 6 to 11 skeins depending on size, with the sample shown in color #3824 marina blue. Knitters will need size 6 (4mm) needles for the main fabric, along with a size 6 (4mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches long for working the neckband and armhole edgings. Additional tools include a cable needle for managing cable stitches, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends. The gauge is established at 21 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, making accurate gauge checking essential before beginning this intermediate-level project.