Tahki Yarns Philadelphia Duster Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Philadelphia Duster – Knitted Cardigan Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Philadelphia Duster is a long cardigan designed by Teresa Chorzepa, available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X. This garment features a duster-length silhouette with a finished bust measurement between 40 and 53 inches and a length between 30½ and 33½ inches, making it an elegant layering piece suitable for various body types and style preferences.

Construction Technique

This cardigan is constructed using a top-down method, which allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust the fit before completing the project. The pattern is worked flat in rows for the main body sections and worked in the round for the sleeves. The duster begins at the neck and is worked downward to the underarms, after which the body and sleeves are completed separately. This modular approach gives knitters flexibility in finishing and customization.

The body is worked back and forth in rows using a 24-inch circular needle to accommodate the large number of stitches required for the finished width. The sleeves are worked in the round on double-pointed needles, creating seamless, tubular construction for a professional finish.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Philadelphia Duster employs two primary stitch patterns:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The main fabric stitch, created by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side. This produces the classic smooth, V-textured knit fabric that forms the body of the cardigan.
• Seed Stitch (Seed st): Used for the neckline and front bands, this textured stitch alternates knit and purl stitches to create a bumpy, reversible fabric. Seed stitch is worked by knitting and purling alternately in each row, then reversing the stitches in subsequent rows so that knit stitches are purled and purl stitches are knitted.

The pattern also incorporates M1 (Make 1) increases, which are worked by lifting the strand between needles and working it through the back loop to prevent holes. These increases are used strategically for shaping raglan sleeves and other fitted areas.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Philadelphia Duster is designed to be knitted with Tahki Yarns RIPPLE, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 8 balls for the smallest size to 13 balls for the largest size. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 142 yards (130 meters) of yarn. The pattern sample shown is worked in color #35 dark denim, a sophisticated neutral shade suitable for versatile styling.

Needles and Gauge

This pattern requires size 8 (5mm) needles. Knitters will need one 24-inch circular needle for the body and one set of size 8 (5mm) double-pointed needles for the sleeves. The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 21 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished cardigan matches the intended measurements.

Additional Materials

Beyond yarn and needles, knitters will need stitch holders to temporarily hold stitches during construction, stitch markers to denote pattern sections and shaping points, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and any necessary seaming.