Tahki Yarns Woodland Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Woodland Cardigan

Garment Overview

The Woodland Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Sandi Rosner. This sophisticated piece is constructed using a bottom-up approach with seamed construction, featuring elegant lace detailing throughout. The cardigan is offered in eight sizes ranging from XS to 4X, with finished bust measurements from 42¼ inches (107.5 cm) to 74¼ inches (188.5 cm) and lengths from 23 to 26 inches (58.5 to 66 cm). The design features a generous front overlap and is intended to be worn loosely without a closure.

Construction Techniques

This cardigan employs a seamed, worked-flat construction method that builds the garment from the bottom up. The back and front panels are knitted separately before being joined at the shoulders using a Three-Needle Bind-Off technique, which creates a strong, professional seam. Stitches are subsequently picked up from the sleeve ends to create wide cuffs, and additional stitches are picked up around the front and neck edges to work an expansive shawl collar. The lower front corners incorporate German Short Rows for shaping, adding structural refinement to the garment's silhouette.

Stitch Techniques

The Woodland Cardigan features two primary stitch patterns that work in concert to create visual interest and texture. Garter Stitch forms the foundation, created by knitting all stitches on every row, providing a dense, reversible fabric. The signature design element is the Lace Pattern, which works over a multiple of 12 stitches plus 3 (with variations for specific sizes). The lace pattern incorporates fundamental lace stitches including yarn overs (yo), slip-slip-knit decreases (ssk), and knit-two-together decreases (k2tog), which create the characteristic openwork and eyelet details. The pattern also employs a Double Stitch special technique for decorative or structural purposes. Gauge is critical: 21 stitches and 32 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in Lace pattern, while 21 stitches and 42 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in Garter stitch.

Materials and Tools

The Woodland Cardigan is worked in Tahki Yarns TIBURON, a luxurious blend of 50% organic cotton and 50% lyocell. This fiber composition creates a breathable, draping fabric ideal for a cardigan with lace elements. The yardage requirements range from 12 balls (1,320 yards/1,200 meters) for the smallest size to 22 balls (2,420 yards/2,200 meters) for the largest size. The color featured is #10 Blue Sky. Construction requires one size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle in either 32-inch (80 cm) or 40-inch (100 cm) length, plus a spare size 5 needle for the Three-Needle Bind-Off. Additional notions include stitch holders or scrap yarn for holding stitches, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, and a yarn needle for finishing and seaming.

Design Features

• Eight size options from XS through 4X for inclusive fit
• Lace patterning that creates elegant openwork throughout the body
• Wide shawl collar worked from picked-up stitches for a luxurious neckline
• Wide cuffs at sleeve ends, also worked from picked-up stitches
• German Short Rows shaping at lower front corners for refined fit
• Open front design with generous overlap, requiring no buttons or closures
• Seamed construction for durability and structure
• Professional Three-Needle Bind-Off shoulder seams

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as an intermediate project, the Woodland Cardigan requires solid foundational knitting skills including proficiency with lace stitches, decreases, yarn overs, and the ability to work from charts. Knitters should be comfortable with seaming techniques, picking up stitches, and managing multiple stitch patterns within a single garment. The use of circular needles for flat knitting and the coordination of multiple construction phases make this an engaging project for experienced knitters seeking to expand their technical repertoire.