Tahki Yarns Pembroke Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Pembroke Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Pembroke is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Irina Poludnenko, available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2XL. This garment features a bust measurement of 40 to 56 inches (101.5 to 142 cm) and a length of 22¾ to 26¾ inches (58 to 68 cm), making it a versatile piece suitable for various body types and styling preferences.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up seamed method, meaning the pieces are knitted from the lower edge upward and then sewn together to form the finished garment. The design incorporates stripes created through the use of two coordinating yarn colors worked in alternating sections. The cardigan is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and pattern work across the front and back panels.

The pattern employs a Backward Loop Cast On technique for establishing stitches and utilizes the M1 (Make 1) increase method, which involves lifting the strand between needles from front to back and working through the back loop to create a twisted stitch that prevents holes in the fabric. The construction includes a pocket opening feature, adding functional detail to the design.

Stitches Used

The Pembroke cardigan features two primary stitch patterns:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The foundational stitch used for smooth, classic fabric texture, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side
• Texture Pattern – A repeating four-stitch multiple pattern that alternates knit and purl stitches (K2, P2) to create visual interest and dimensional texture throughout the garment

The neckband is worked using a circular needle, indicating a ribbed or fitted neck finish typical of cardigan construction.

Materials and Specifications

The Pembroke is designed to be knitted with Tahki Yarns ALDEN and ALDEN PRINT yarns. The yarn composition is 50% merino wool, 25% superfine alpaca, and 25% acrylic, providing a blend of warmth, softness, and durability. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 250 yards (229 meters).

Yardage requirements vary by size: Small and Medium sizes require 4 balls of color A (riverbed) and 3 balls of color B (charcoal); Large and XL sizes need 5 and 4 balls respectively; the 2XL size requires 6 balls of color A and 4 balls of color B.

The pattern calls for size 5 (3.75mm) needles for the body and a size 5 (3.75mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches (80 cm) for the neckband. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 35 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in the stitch pattern, making this an easy-level pattern suitable for knitters with basic skills.

Additional materials include stitch markers, stitch holders, three ⅞-inch (22 mm) buttons for the cardigan closure, and a yarn needle for seaming and finishing.