Tahki Yarns Wicklow Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Wicklow Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Wicklow Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Norah Gaughan. This garment is constructed as a classic button-front cardigan available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 40 inches (101.5 cm) to 60 inches (152.5 cm). The cardigan features a length from shoulder of approximately 27 to 29.5 inches (68.5 to 75 cm), depending on size. The design shown in the pattern is displayed in size Large.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Wicklow Cardigan is worked flat on straight needles using a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knitted beginning at the lower edge and progressing upward toward the shoulders. The pieces are seamed together after completion, creating a traditional finished cardigan with structured seams.

The pattern incorporates cable knitting as a primary design element, featuring decorative cable panels that run vertically through the body of the cardigan. The cables are created using a cable needle and include techniques such as C8R (cable 8 right) and C8L (cable 8 left), where stitches are crossed over one another to form twisted rope-like textures. The pattern also employs twisted stitches including right twist (RT) and left twist (LT) abbreviations, which add textural interest to the design.

Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases worked on specific rows. The pattern includes movement rows that incorporate increases (M1R and M1L) and decreases (ssk and k2tog) to create fitted shaping at the sides. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through sequential bind-offs worked at the beginning of rows to create angled shoulders.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (st st) – the primary background stitch creating a smooth, flat fabric
• Cable stitches – C8R (cable 8 right) and C8L (cable 8 left) for the decorative cable panels
• Twisted stitches – RT (right twist) and LT (left twist) for textural detail within the cable panel
• Decreases – ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) for shaping
• Increases – M1R (make one right) and M1L (make one left) for side shaping
• Ribbing – implied in the pattern structure for finished edges

Materials and Tools

The Wicklow Cardigan is knitted using Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed, a 100% Irish wool yarn. The yardage required ranges from 7 to 10 hanks depending on size, with each hank containing 183 yards (167 meters) and weighing 3.5 ounces (100 grams). The pattern shown is worked in color #895 Dark Khaki.

Knitting needles required include one pair of size 9 (5.5mm) needles or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. Additional tools necessary for completing the project include a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, stitch markers to denote pattern sections and shaping points, stitch holders for temporarily holding stitches, and a yarn needle for seaming pieces together and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 24 rows equaling 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on the larger needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The pattern includes six size options with graduated measurements to accommodate different body sizes, with recommended ease at the bust of 10 to 14 inches (25.5 to 35.5 cm) for a comfortable, relaxed fit.