Tahki Yarns Willow Belted Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Willow Belted Cardigan

Garment Overview

The Willow Belted Cardigan is a sophisticated knitted cardigan designed by Shaina Bilow, featuring a tailored silhouette with a coordinating belt. This intermediate-level project is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach, worked flat on straight needles. The cardigan is available in seven sizes ranging from X-Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 30 inches (76 cm) to 54 inches (137 cm) and lengths from 21¼ inches (54 cm) to 24½ inches (62 cm).

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern calls for Tahki Yarns TANDEM, a versatile blend yarn composed of 28% cotton, 28% viscose, 28% nylon, and 16% acrylic. The yarn is worked at a yardage of 107 yards per 50-gram ball (98 meters per ball). Depending on size, the project requires 7 to 13 balls of yarn in the color #02 waterlilies. The primary construction uses size 7 (4.5mm) needles, with size 6 (4mm) needles designated for the belt component. A size G-6 (4mm) crochet hook is also required for creating the belt loops. Additional notions include a stitch marker and a yarn needle for finishing.

Gauge and Tension

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch, and the same gauge applies when working in Seed stitch. Knitters are strongly advised to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the cardigan to ensure accurate finished measurements.

Stitch Techniques and Pattern Stitches

The Willow Belted Cardigan employs several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout most of the cardigan body, created by knitting all stitches on the right side rows and purling all stitches on the wrong side rows, producing the classic smooth, V-textured fabric.
• Seed Stitch (Seed st): An alternating knit and purl pattern (K1, P1 across, alternating on subsequent rows) that creates a bumpy, textured surface. This stitch is used strategically within the pattern, including during shaping sections.
• K1, P1 Rib: A ribbed border stitch that provides elasticity and structure, typically used at edges and cuffs. This ribbed section is maintained as a 7-stitch border throughout the cardigan body.
• K2tog (Knit 2 Together): A right-leaning decrease worked by knitting two stitches together through the front loops, used for shaping the armholes, neckline, and body.
• Ssk (Slip, Slip, Knit): A left-leaning decrease created by slipping two stitches individually knitwise to the right needle, returning them to the left needle in turned position, and knitting them together through the back loops. This decrease is used at various shaping points throughout the cardigan.

Construction Techniques

The cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed method, meaning pieces are knitted from the lower edge upward and then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and pattern adjustments across the seven size options.

The pattern includes multiple shaping sections: the body is shaped with decreases at regular intervals, the neckline features progressive decreases worked every 6th to 8th row depending on size, and the armholes are shaped through bind-offs at the beginning of rows followed by additional decreases. The pattern specifies that at 8 inches from the beginning, knitters transition from the initial stitch pattern to Stockinette stitch while maintaining the 7-stitch ribbed border. Armhole shaping begins when the piece measures 13½ inches from the cast-on edge.

Belt and Finishing Details

The Willow Belted Cardigan includes a coordinating belt component, which is worked separately using the smaller size 6 (4mm) needles. Belt loops are created using a size G-6 (4mm) crochet hook, adding a refined finishing touch to the garment. These belt loops allow the belt to be secured at the side seams, enhancing the cardigan's tailored appearance.