Castle Hill Cardigan - Knitting Pattern for Women in Tahki Yarns Tandem

Castle Hill Cardigan - Knitting Pattern Overview

What Is Being Made

The Castle Hill Cardigan is a women's cardigan designed by Teresa Chorzepa, offered in seven sizes ranging from XSmall to 3X. This garment features a classic cardigan silhouette with a bust measurement range of 36½ inches (XSmall) to 60½ inches (3X) and a length between 28¼ and 31 inches depending on size. The cardigan is designed as an easy, beginner-friendly knitting project, making it accessible to knitters new to garment construction.

Construction Technique and Method

The Castle Hill Cardigan is worked flat using a bottom-up construction method, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the neckline. The garment pieces are seamed together after individual components are completed, creating a traditional cardigan structure. This approach allows for easier gauge management and fitting adjustments during the knitting process.

Stripe Pattern and Design Details

This cardigan features a striped design created using three coordinating colors from the Tahki Yarns Tandem line: Earth and Sky (color #17), Granite (color #12), and Smoky Mountains (color #13). The stripe pattern adds visual interest while the color palette creates a sophisticated, earthy aesthetic. The strategic color blocking through stripes is a hallmark design element of this piece.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The primary stitch used throughout the Castle Hill Cardigan is Stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a recognizable V-pattern texture. The pattern includes shaping techniques such as centered double decreases (abbreviated as S2KP in the pattern) and standard decreases using ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) methods. These decrease techniques are worked on right-side rows to create fitted shaping, particularly in areas requiring waist definition or armhole tapering.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Castle Hill Cardigan is designed specifically for Tahki Yarns Tandem, a worsted-weight yarn with a unique blend of fibers: 28% Cotton, 28% Viscose, 28% Nylon, and 16% Acrylic. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 107 yards (98 meters). Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 3 to 5 balls of the primary color (Earth and Sky), 6 to 10 balls of the secondary color (Granite), and 4 to 7 balls of the accent color (Smoky Mountains). The fiber blend creates a fabric with excellent drape, breathability, and durability—ideal for a versatile cardigan suitable for various seasons.

Needles and Tools

The Castle Hill Cardigan is knitted using one size 8 (5.00mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches (80cm) in length. The circular needle accommodates the flat knitting construction and allows for easy stitch management across multiple pieces. Additional tools required include stitch holders for managing stitches during garment assembly and a yarn needle for seaming pieces together and weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 26 rows equaling 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette stitch after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, and the pattern notes that blocking is part of the gauge measurement process, indicating that the finished fabric benefits from wet or steam blocking to achieve the intended dimensions and fabric characteristics.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an easy, beginner-friendly pattern, the Castle Hill Cardigan is an excellent introduction to garment knitting. The straightforward construction method, basic stitch repertoire, and clear shaping instructions make this project suitable for knitters developing their skills in garment assembly and fitting.