Tiisetso

Tiisetso Top-Down Waterfall Cardigan

What is Being Made

Tiisetso is a sophisticated top-down waterfall cardigan designed by Noma Ndlovu. This knitted garment features a cascading silhouette characteristic of waterfall cardigan construction, with the piece worked seamlessly from the collar downward. The cardigan incorporates multiple lace patterns throughout the design, creating visual interest and a unique aesthetic that combines various stitch motifs into one cohesive piece.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Tiisetso cardigan is knit using a top-down construction method, meaning the knitter begins at the neckline and works downward toward the hem. This approach offers several advantages: it allows for easy fitting adjustments, enables the knitter to try on the garment as it progresses, and creates a seamless finish without the need for seaming. The top-down technique combined with DK weight yarn ensures that this project works up relatively quickly despite its advanced difficulty level, keeping the experienced knitter engaged throughout the process.

Stitches and Lace Patterns

The pattern features mixed lace patterns that are integrated throughout the cardigan design. While the specific lace stitches are detailed within the full pattern instructions, the combination of different lace motifs creates the distinctive waterfall effect and visual complexity that defines this garment. The base fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth canvas that allows the lace patterns to stand out prominently.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn: The Tiisetso cardigan is designed for DK weight yarn. The pattern calls for 6 to 12 skeins of 100g yarn (approximately 240 meters or 263 yards per skein), depending on the finished size. The recommended yarn is The Yarn Collective 100% DK Merino in the Soot colorway, though substitutions of similar DK weight merino or merino-blend yarns with comparable yardage and gauge would be suitable.

Needles and Notions: Knitters will need US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches (80 cm) in length for working this top-down cardigan. Additional materials include a yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and stitch holders or scrap yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 22 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. The Tiisetso cardigan is available in multiple sizes, with finished bust measurements ranging from 33 inches to 66 inches, accommodating a wide range of body sizes. Accurate gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements, particularly important in a fitted cardigan where proper sizing affects both fit and the visual impact of the lace patterns.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, making it suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable working with lace stitches, managing multiple pattern repeats, and executing top-down construction techniques. The combination of mixed lace patterns and the need to maintain pattern continuity while shaping the garment requires strong foundational knitting skills and the ability to read and follow complex stitch patterns.