Pearl Peak Cardigan - Knitting Pattern for Women in Tahki Yarns Gunnison

Pearl Peak Cardigan - Knitting Pattern by Teresa Chorzepa

What is Being Made

The Pearl Peak Cardigan is a women's cardigan sweater designed by Teresa Chorzepa for Tahki Yarns. This garment is available in five sizes ranging from Extra Small through Extra Large, with finished bust measurements from 34½ inches (87.5cm) to 49¾ inches (126.5cm). The cardigan features a 1¾ inch (4.5cm) overlap at the front closure and is designed to fit with 4–6 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The finished length ranges from 25 inches (63.5cm) in the smallest size to 27¾ inches (69cm) in the larger sizes, making it a standard hip-length cardigan suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for an advanced beginner skill level. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning each piece is knitted as a flat panel. The construction method is bottom-up, where knitters begin at the lower edge and work upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The finished pieces are then seamed together to create the complete garment, requiring careful finishing work to join the front panels, back panel, and sleeves with invisible or mattress stitches.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure in the Pearl Peak Cardigan is Stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric appearance characteristic of many knitted cardigans. The pattern also incorporates a special stitch technique called Right Twist (RT), which is worked by knitting 2 stitches together and then, without slipping them from the left-hand needle, knitting the first stitch again before slipping both stitches from the needle. This creates a decorative twisted effect. The pattern uses standard abbreviations including knit (k), knit 2 together (K2tog) for decreasing, and various other common knitting abbreviations for increases, decreases, and stitch manipulations that shape the cardigan's silhouette.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Pearl Peak Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Tahki Yarns Gunnison, a worsted-weight yarn composed of 57% wool and 43% polyacrylic. This fiber blend provides warmth and durability while offering easy care compared to pure wool. Each ball contains 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and yields 185 yards (170 meters) of yarn. The yardage requirements vary by size: Extra Small requires 4 balls, Small and Medium each require 5 balls, Large requires 6 balls, and Extra Large requires 7 balls. The pattern specifies color #2001 natural, a neutral shade suitable for versatile styling.

Needles, Notions, and Finishing Materials

• Needles: US size 10½ (6.5mm) straight needles or the size needed to obtain proper gauge
• Gauge: 13½ stitches and 21 rows measured over 4 inches (10cm) in Stockinette stitch—checking gauge before beginning is essential for proper fit
• Notions: Stitch holders for securing stitches during construction, four 1-inch (25mm) buttons for the front cardigan closure
• Finishing Tools: A yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together

Pattern Difficulty and Construction Notes

Rated as advanced beginner level, this pattern is accessible to knitters who have mastered basic knitting techniques and are ready to tackle garment construction. The combination of flat knitting, seaming, and shaping techniques provides excellent practice for developing intermediate skills. The straightforward Stockinette stitch base, punctuated with the decorative Right Twist detail, creates visual interest without overwhelming complexity. The pattern's clear sizing options and detailed abbreviations support knitters in successfully completing a wearable, professional-quality cardigan.