Tidal Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Tidal Cardigan in Juniper Moon Moonshine Chunky

What is Being Made

The Tidal Cardigan is a button-front cardigan designed by Pamela Wynne as part of the Supermoon Collection. This knitted garment is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 32 inches (81.5cm) up to 55½ inches (140.5cm). The cardigan features a consistent length of 27¼ inches (69cm) across all sizes, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and proportions.

Techniques Used

This cardigan incorporates several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and texture to the finished garment. The pattern employs cable knitting, a classic technique that creates twisted, rope-like strands of stitches. The design features cable patterns worked both in the round for the sleeves and flat for pocket details, demonstrating the versatility of cable construction across different garment sections. The pattern also includes short-row shaping, indicated by the wrap-and-turn abbreviation (w&t), which allows for custom fit adjustments and three-dimensional shaping without increasing or decreasing stitch counts dramatically. Additionally, the pattern uses German Twisted or tubular cast-on methods, which create refined, elastic edges ideal for cardigan openings and cuffs.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Tidal Cardigan is Stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric that serves as the foundation of the garment. The cable patterns are the secondary stitch element and consist of two specific cable variations:

• Cable 1 over 2 left: Created by slipping one stitch to a cable needle, holding it in front, knitting two stitches, then knitting the one stitch from the cable needle
• Cable 1 over 2 right: Created by slipping two stitches to a cable needle, holding it in back, knitting one stitch, then knitting the two stitches from the cable needle

The sleeve cables are worked in the round over 6 stitches, alternating between a cable round and a knit round. The pocket cables are worked flat over 6 stitches, alternating between a cable row on the right side and a purl row on the wrong side. The pattern also incorporates ribbing (knit one, purl one) for the cast-on edge, which provides elasticity and a finished appearance to the cardigan opening.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Tidal Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Juniper Moon Farm Moonshine Chunky yarn in color #111 Blue Hawaii. The yardage requirement varies by size, ranging from 7 hanks for the smallest size (XS) to 12 hanks for the largest size (3X). Moonshine Chunky is a bulky-weight yarn that creates a substantial, cozy fabric suitable for a structured cardigan.

The pattern calls for two sizes of needles to accommodate the different gauges needed for various sections. The main fabric is worked on US 10 (6mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches (80cm) and a matching set of five double-pointed needles, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. A smaller needle size, US 9 (5.5mm) in both circular (32 inches/80cm) and double-pointed needle formats, is used for ribbed edgings and other sections requiring a tighter gauge. The pattern specifies a gauge of 13 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in Stockinette stitch after blocking, which is typical for chunky-weight yarns and creates a fabric with good drape and structure.

Additional Notions

Beyond yarn and needles, the Tidal Cardigan requires five ½-inch (1.5cm) buttons for the front closure, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction sections.