Tahki Yarns Robin Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Robin Cardigan

Garment Overview

The Robin Cardigan is a sophisticated knitted cardigan designed by Shaina Bilow, crafted from a luxurious fiber blend that combines natural breathability with refined elegance. This button-front cardigan is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 37 inches to 58½ inches and lengths between 23½ and 26 inches, making it adaptable for various body types and style preferences.

Fiber Content and Materials

This cardigan is constructed using Tahki Yarns MIMOSA, a premium yarn blend featuring 50% cotton, 40% silk, and 10% cashmere. This sophisticated fiber combination provides breathability from the cotton content, lustrous drape from the silk, and luxurious softness from the cashmere. The pattern requires 9 to 14 skeins depending on size, with each skein containing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yielding 127 yards (116.5 meters). The cardigan is worked in color #02 mushroom, a neutral tone suitable for versatile styling. Construction requires size 6 (4mm) and size 5 (3.75mm) knitting needles, a yarn needle for finishing, and six ¾-inch diameter buttons for the front closure.

Knitting Techniques and Stitch Construction

The Robin Cardigan employs fundamental knitting techniques combined with strategic shaping to achieve a polished, fitted silhouette. The garment begins with a k1, p1 rib foundation, worked on smaller needles for approximately 3 inches to create an elastic, structured lower edge that prevents rolling and provides a professional finish.

The main body transitions to larger needles and features Stockinette stitch, the foundational knit fabric created by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows. This classic stitch produces a smooth, refined surface ideal for showcasing the lustrous qualities of the MIMOSA yarn blend. The pattern also incorporates a Pattern stitch section, which adds textural interest to the garment while maintaining the elegant aesthetic.

Shaping and Construction Details

The cardigan demonstrates intermediate shaping techniques to create a tailored fit:

• Armhole shaping: Constructed through bind-offs at the beginning of rows followed by graduated decreases. The pattern specifies binding off 5 stitches at the armhole edge, then 3 stitches over one to three rows depending on size, followed by single-stitch decreases worked over 2 to 12 rows to create a smooth, angled armhole cap.
• Neck shaping: Created using bind-offs and decreases to form a flattering neckline. The pattern binds off 8 stitches at the neck edge, then 4 stitches over one to two rows, followed by single-stitch decreases at the neck edge worked over 2 to 8 rows, depending on size.
• Decrease techniques: The pattern employs K2tog (knit two together) and ssk/ssp (slip, slip, knit or purl) decreases to maintain stitch integrity and create balanced shaping on both edges of the garment.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette stitch on the larger needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and ensuring the cardigan fits correctly. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning, as even small variations can significantly affect the final garment dimensions.

Design Features

The Robin Cardigan features a classic button-front closure with six buttons spaced along the front opening, providing both function and design emphasis. The garment includes a structured ribbed lower band that transitions smoothly into the main Stockinette body, creating visual interest and ensuring the cardigan maintains its shape through wear and laundering. The armhole and neckline shaping creates a refined silhouette that works well for both casual and more polished styling occasions.