Tahki Yarns Structural Striped Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Structural Striped Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Structural Striped Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan designed by Teresa Chorzepa. This garment features a sophisticated color-blocked stripe pattern and is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 38 inches to 58 inches and lengths from 21½ inches to 24 inches. The cardigan combines structural shaping with elegant striping for a versatile wardrobe piece.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up seamed construction method, meaning pieces are knitted individually from the lower edge upward and then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for precise shaping and stripe placement. The design incorporates strategic increases and decreases to create tailored armholes and a well-fitted silhouette. Ribbed edgings provide structure and elasticity at the hem, cuffs, and neckline.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch throughout the body of the cardigan, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows to produce a smooth, classic fabric with a V-shaped texture on the front.
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch (Rev St st): Used selectively in the pattern, created by purling on right-side rows and knitting on wrong-side rows, producing a bumpy texture that contrasts with standard stockinette.
• K1, P1 Rib: A fundamental ribbed stitch used for cuffs, hem, and neckline finishing. This stitch alternates single knit stitches with single purl stitches, creating vertical columns that provide stretch and recovery.
• Stripe Pattern: A repeating color pattern using two coordinating shades to create visual interest and structural definition throughout the cardigan body.

Materials and Gauge

This pattern calls for Tahki Yarns RIPPLE, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn. The yardage requirements vary by size: Small requires 5 balls of color #50 dove grey (A) and 4 balls of color #01 pearl (B), while the largest size (3X) requires 9 balls of dove grey and 7 balls of pearl. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces and provides 142 yards of yardage.

The recommended needle size is US 7 (4.5mm), though knitters should select the size that allows them to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern gauge is 18 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit. A yarn needle is required for seaming the pieces together and weaving in ends.

Construction Details

The cardigan begins with a ribbed cast-on edge that provides elasticity and a finished appearance. The body is worked in the stripe pattern using stockinette stitch as the primary fabric. Shaping occurs through strategic increases along the side seams and decreases at the armholes. The armhole shaping involves binding off a larger number of stitches at the beginning of wrong-side rows, followed by gradual single-stitch decreases over several rows to create a smooth, professional curve. The neckline and front bands are finished with K1, P1 ribbing worked in both directions to create a neat, structured edge. All pieces are seamed together using the yarn needle, creating clean, durable seams that maintain the integrity of the stripe pattern.