Lithia Cardigan in Tahki Yarns - Tahki_FW19_HC_16 - Downloadable PDF

Lithia Cardigan in Tahki Yarns

What Is Being Made

The Lithia Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Sandi Rosner. This garment is available in six sizes ranging from XSmall to 2X, with finished bust measurements from 31 inches (78.5 cm) to 52 inches (132 cm) and lengths from 24 inches (61 cm) to 28 inches (71 cm). The cardigan features a classic construction with button closures and is worked primarily in a textured stitch pattern, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

The Lithia Cardigan employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and functional details to the design. The construction includes:

• Worked Flat: The cardigan is knitted flat on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier shaping and construction of the front and back panels.
• Seamed Construction: Pieces are seamed together, providing clean, professional finishing and structural integrity.
• Cable Details: Cable stitches are incorporated into the pattern for textural depth and visual appeal.
• Buttonholes: Strategically placed buttonholes allow for the button closures that define the cardigan's front opening.
• Welt Pockets: Functional welt pockets add both style and practicality to the design.
• Single Hem: A single hem finish provides a clean edge and professional appearance to the garment.

Stitches Used

The Lithia Cardigan utilizes a combination of fundamental and decorative stitches. The primary stitch pattern is the Texture Stitch, which is worked over multiple rows to create visual interest and dimension throughout the garment. Additionally, K3, P1 Rib is used in the pattern, providing elasticity and a refined finish to ribbed sections. The pattern also incorporates standard decreases such as ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) for shaping the armholes and other fitted areas of the cardigan.

Materials and Specifications

The Lithia Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Tahki Yarns CLASSIC SUPERWASH, a 100% superwash merino wool yarn. The yardage requirements range from 6 skeins for the smallest size (XSmall) to 10 skeins for the largest size (2X). Each skein contains 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and provides 218 yards (200 meters) of yarn, making this a DK weight yarn project.

The pattern calls for Size 6 (4mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches (80 cm) long, or needles adjusted to obtain the correct gauge. The specified gauges are 23 stitches and 30 rows equaling 4 inches (10 cm) in the Texture Stitch pattern, and 27 stitches and 28 rows equaling 4 inches (10 cm) in K3, P1 Rib. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

Additional materials required include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction, eight ⅞-inch (22 mm) buttons for the front closure, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together. This downloadable PDF pattern is provided by Tahki Stacy Charles Inc. and represents an intermediate-level project suitable for knitters with foundational skills and experience working with shaping techniques.