Tammi Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Tammi Cardigan in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK

What is Being Made

The Tammi Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Richardson, available in ten sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) up to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches). The garment features an actual bust measurement of the finished piece ranging from 101.5 cm (40 inches) to 182.5 cm (71¾ inches), offering generous ease for comfortable wear. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a structured, tailored cardigan suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

The Tammi Cardigan employs several advanced knitting techniques characteristic of intermediate projects. Cable knitting forms the primary decorative element, with cables created using techniques such as C4B (cable 4 back) and C4F (cable 4 front), which involve crossing stitches over a cable needle to create the distinctive twisted rope-like texture. The pattern incorporates chart-based construction, requiring knitters to follow a charted pattern repeat that integrates the cable motifs throughout the garment. The design also uses purl and knit combinations to create textured contrast between the cable sections, with purl stitches worked through the back loop (P1 tbl, P2 tbl) to add visual interest and dimensional detail.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in strategic ways to achieve the cardigan's structure and aesthetic. Knit stitches (K) and purl stitches (P) form the foundation, with purl stitches frequently worked through the back loop (tbl) to create twisted variations that add texture. Cable stitches are central to the design, created by crossing groups of four stitches using a cable needle—these cables alternate between C4B and C4F to create visual movement and dimension. The pattern employs repeat sequences that combine these stitches in organized rows, with specific stitch counts varying by size to ensure proper fit across the ten size options.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Tammi Cardigan is designed to be knitted in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK, a double knitting weight yarn. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 10 to 20 balls of 50-gram skeins depending on which size is being knitted. The pattern was photographed in the colorway Naples Blue 217, though the yarn is available in other colors for creative customization.

The project requires two pairs of needles in different sizes to accommodate the gauge requirements. 3¼mm (US 3) needles are used for ribbed sections and stitch definition, while 4mm (US 6) needles are used for the main body of the cardigan where the cable pattern is worked. Additionally, a 3¼mm (US 3) circular needle at least 100 cm long is required for working certain sections, with an optional 4mm (US 6) circular needle of the same length for alternative construction methods. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable crosses throughout the pattern.