Wildflowerknits Toscana Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Wildflowerknits Toscana Cardigan and Vest Pattern

What is Being Made

The Toscana is a versatile knitted cardigan and vest design by Kennita Tully, available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X. This garment is worked as a single piece using circular needles, making it an efficient construction method. The finished measurements accommodate various body types, with chest circumferences from 36 inches (Small) up to 57 inches (3X), and finished lengths ranging from 24 to 29 inches depending on size selected. The design features button closures and is suitable for knitters with beginning to intermediate skill levels.

Techniques Used

Bottom-up construction: The Toscana is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length as needed before binding off.

Seamed assembly: Pieces are sewn together using a tapestry needle after individual components are completed, creating clean, professional-looking seams.

Worked flat on circular needles: Although circular needles are used, the garment is worked flat in rows rather than in the round. This technique provides flexibility and prevents the need for double-pointed needles when working smaller circumferences.

Strategic decreasing: The pattern incorporates edge decreases worked on both right and left sides. Right edges use knit two together (k2tog) decreases, while left edges use purled two together through the back loop (p2tog tbl), creating balanced shaping. During armhole shaping, edge stitches are maintained in reverse stockinette stitch to prevent the decorative stitch pattern from interfering with structural decreases.

Stitches Used

RicRac stitch: The primary decorative stitch pattern is the Foundation RicRac, which creates visual texture and interest throughout the garment. This stitch is worked over a multiple of 8 stitches plus 8 additional stitches. The RicRac pattern is established over the first approximately 6 inches of the body before shaping begins.

The RicRac stitch pattern alternates between two rows:

• Row 1 (Right Side): Purl 3 stitches, then work RicRac by skipping one stitch and knitting into the back loop of the second stitch, then knitting the skipped stitch through the front loop. Slip both stitches from the needle together. This sequence repeats across, with 6 purl stitches between pattern repeats, ending with purl 3.
• Row 2 (Wrong Side): Knit 3 stitches, then work RicRac by purling the second stitch while skipping the first, then purling the skipped stitch, slipping both stitches together. Knit 6 stitches between repeats, ending with knit 3.

Reverse stockinette stitch: Used for edge stitches during armhole shaping to maintain clean, undecorated edges that work well with seaming.

Stockinette stitch: The foundation stitch used for gauge measurement and general fabric construction.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Tahki Yarns "Cotton Classic Lite," a 100% cotton yarn that provides breathability and drape ideal for warm-weather garments. Each hank contains 50 grams and 146 yards. Yardage requirements range from 876 yards for the Small size to 1,460 yards for the 3X size, requiring between 6 and 10 hanks depending on size. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted in colorway #4718 celadon, a soft blue-green shade.

Needles: Size US 5 (3.75mm) circular knitting needles in 36 to 60-inch length for working the garment flat.

Additional tools: A Size C (2.75mm) crochet hook is included for finishing the trim. Two 1-inch buttons are required for closures. A tapestry needle is needed for seaming and weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge: 26.5 stitches and 30 rows equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) when measured over the RicRac stitch pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements, and the pattern recommends checking gauge before beginning.

Pattern Structure and Sizing

Instructions are provided for the Small size with larger sizes indicated in parentheses throughout. When