Tie Front Textured Cardigan

Tie Front Textured Cardigan by Sian Brown

What is Being Made

The Tie Front Textured Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan featuring a distinctive tie front closure and textured stitch pattern throughout. This downloadable knitting pattern is available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, with finished bust measurements from 82 cm (32 inches) to 114 cm (45 inches). The cardigan offers a versatile layering piece with a length of approximately 41 to 49 cm (16 to 19¼ inches) depending on size, and consistent sleeve length of approximately 43 to 45 cm (17 to 17¾ inches).

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The pattern utilizes yarn forward (yf) increases to create decorative eyelet details that contribute to the textured appearance. Slip stitch decreases are incorporated throughout, specifically using the slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skpo) and slip, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over (sl1, k2tog, psso) techniques. These decrease methods create a refined, directional texture. The construction begins with garter stitch ribbing at the cast-on edge before transitioning to the main pattern, which is worked in a repeating four-row sequence. The pattern is worked flat in pieces, requiring assembly, and utilizes both straight needles and circular needles for different sections.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k): The fundamental stitch forming the base of the fabric
• Purl (p): Used primarily for reverse stockinette rows and texture variation
• Yarn forward (yf): Creates decorative eyelets and increases within the pattern
• Slip stitch (sl): Used in combination with decreases to create textured effects
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used throughout the pattern
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso): Creates a left-leaning decrease for balanced shaping
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skpo): An alternative left-leaning decrease technique
• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary fabric structure alternating knit and purl rows

Pattern Repeat and Texture

The main pattern is constructed as a four-row repeat that forms the textured design throughout the cardigan. Row 1 and Row 3 contain the decorative elements created by yarn forwards and slip stitch decreases, while Rows 2 and 4 are worked entirely in purl to create definition. This four-row sequence is repeated continuously until the piece reaches the required length, creating a consistent, sophisticated texture across the front, back, and sleeves.

Materials and Specifications

The Tie Front Textured Cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Damask yarn in the shade Zirccone. The pattern requires 9 to 12 balls of 50 gram weight depending on size, making this a substantial project. The yarn weight is DK (double knitting), a lightweight yarn that creates a fabric with good drape and definition for the textured stitches.

Three sizes of straight needles are required: 3.25mm, 3.75mm, and 4mm, along with a 3.75mm circular needle. The pattern specifies a tension of 20 stitches and 35 rows over 10 centimeters in the main pattern stitch, which is critical for achieving the correct finished measurements. The ribbing at the cast-on edge is worked on the smallest needles (3.25mm) to create a neat, elastic edge, while the main pattern is worked on 3.75mm needles, and the largest needles (4mm) are likely used for specific shaping sections or bind-off edges.

Sizing Information

The pattern accommodates a wide range of body sizes with the following finished bust measurements: XS (82 cm / 32 inches), S (90 cm / 35½ inches), M (98 cm / 38½ inches), L (106 cm / 41¾ inches), and XL (114 cm / 45 inches). Yardage requirements scale accordingly from 9 balls for the smallest size to 12 balls for the largest size, ensuring