Chandail

Chandail Cardigan by Triona Murphy

What is Being Made

The Chandail is an advanced-level knitted cardigan designed by Triona Murphy. This garment is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X, with finished bust measurements of 28 inches (XS) through 52 inches (3X). The sample shown in the pattern is modeled in size S with 2 inches of negative ease, demonstrating a fitted silhouette. This is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern suitable for experienced knitters seeking a sophisticated, tailored cardigan project.

Techniques and Construction Methods

The Chandail employs several advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its sophisticated construction. The garment is worked primarily in the round using circular needles, with sleeves also worked in the round using double-pointed needles or the knitter's preferred method for seamless sleeve construction. Cable knitting is a featured technique in this design, as evidenced by the cable stitch abbreviations included in the pattern. The use of stitch markers in multiple colors (types A, B, and C) indicates complex stitch pattern management and shaping throughout the construction. The cardigan features a button front closure with 2 toggle buttons measuring 1.5 inches in length, adding both functional and decorative elements to the finished piece.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Chandail incorporates fundamental knitting stitches including knit and purl stitches as the foundation of the fabric. Cable stitches are a prominent feature, with the pattern utilizing C6B (cable 6 back) technique, which involves slipping three stitches to a cable needle and holding them to the back of work before knitting the next three stitches. This creates the characteristic twisted rope texture associated with cable knit patterns. The combination of these stitches with strategic color-coded stitch markers creates a complex, visually interesting fabric suitable for an advanced-level project.

Materials and Gauge

The recommended yarn for the Chandail is Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage, a superwash merino wool yarn in the worsted weight category. This yarn is 100% superwash merino wool, offering durability and easy care for the finished garment. Yardage requirements range from 5 skeins for the smallest size (XS) to 8 skeins for the largest sizes (2X and 3X), with each skein containing 200 yards or 183 meters and weighing 110 grams. The pattern specifies a color of Graphite for the sample shown.

The recommended needles are US #7 (4.5mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches or longer for the main body construction, along with one set of US #7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles for sleeve work. A spare set of double-pointed needles or spare circular needle in US #7 or smaller is also recommended for managing stitches during construction. The pattern advises knitters to check gauge and adjust needle size as needed to achieve the correct fabric density.

The required gauge for the Chandail is 18 stitches and 26 rows measured over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in the stitch pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements across all size options. Additional notions required include waste yarn for provisional cast-on or stitch holding, a cable needle for executing cable stitches, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and six stitch markers in one color or type, two in another, and four in a third type to facilitate pattern tracking and shaping throughout the construction process.