Tahki Yarns Sandia Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Sandia Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Sandia is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Teresa Chorzepa. This garment is available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2X, with finished bust measurements from 33 inches (84 cm) to 49 inches (124.5 cm) and lengths between 25½ and 27½ inches (65 to 70 cm). The cardigan features prominent cable panel details and is constructed using classic knitting techniques suitable for crafters with intermediate experience.

Techniques Used

The Sandia cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its distinctive structure:

• Worked Flat: The cardigan is knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional front and back piece construction
• Seamed Construction: Individual pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together to form the finished garment
• Cable Work: Decorative cable stitches form the visual centerpiece of the design, requiring the use of a cable needle to create twisted stitch patterns
• Hemmed Edges: Single hem construction provides finished edges throughout the cardigan

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates several fundamental and decorative stitch techniques:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used for the main body fabric, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic appearance
• K2, P2 Rib: A ribbed stitch pattern used for the hem and cuff areas, alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches to create vertical lines and provide elasticity
• Cable Panel Stitches: The pattern features specialized cable abbreviations including C10F (cable 10 front), C10B (cable 10 back), C8F (cable 8 front), CBdec (cable back decrease), and CFdec (cable front decrease). These stitches create the intricate twisted rope-like textures that define the cardigan's visual character. The cable panel consists of 24 stitches and measures approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide when worked to gauge

Materials and Tools

The Sandia cardigan is worked using Tahki Yarns CLASSIC SUPERWASH, a 100% superwash merino wool yarn. The yardage requirements vary by size: Small requires 5 balls, Medium requires 6 balls, Large requires 7 balls, and both XL and 2X require 7 and 8 balls respectively. Each ball contains 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and 218 yards (200 meters) of yarn. The sample shown is worked in color #18 orchid.

The pattern calls for size 6 (4 mm) knitting needles, though crafters should select the needle size that allows them to achieve the specified gauge. Additional tools required include stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points, a cable needle for manipulating stitches during cable work, and a yarn needle for seaming pieces together and weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern specifies 21 stitches and 26 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in stockinette stitch. The 24-stitch cable panel should measure approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide. Crafters are strongly encouraged to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure accurate sizing.