Sachertorte

Sachertorte Cardigan by Patty Lyons

What is Being Made

Sachertorte is a knitted cardigan designed by Patty Lyons as a downloadable PDF pattern. This garment is a classic button-front cardigan available in five sizes, with finished bust measurements ranging from 35 ½ inches (90 cm) to 51 ½ inches (131 cm). The cardigan features a length of approximately 22 to 25 inches (56 to 63.5 cm) depending on size, and is intended to be worn with 4 inches (10 cm) of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Construction Method

This cardigan is worked in separate pieces from the bottom up, then sewn together to create the finished garment. This modular construction approach allows knitters to work manageable sections independently before assembling them, which can be helpful for fit adjustments and easier handling during the knitting process.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The pattern incorporates seed stitch as a primary stitch pattern. Seed stitch is created by alternating knit and purl stitches within each row and between rows, producing a textured, bumpy fabric with excellent drape and flexibility. The pattern notes that knitters may choose to work cable patterns either from written text instructions or from charted diagrams, providing flexibility in how they approach the decorative elements.

• Seed Stitch: Worked over an even number of stitches, alternating K1, P1 across rows, then reversing the pattern on the following row to create the characteristic textured appearance
• Cable Patterns: Available in both written and charted formats, allowing customization based on knitter preference
• Decreases: The pattern employs shaping techniques including bind-offs and decrease rows (such as ssk—slip, slip, knit) to create armhole shaping and fitted sections

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The suggested yarn for this project is Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed in colorway #833 Dark Chocolate. This yarn is a worsted weight fiber composed of 100% pure new wool, with each skein providing 183 yards (167 meters) and weighing 3 ½ ounces (100 grams). The pattern requires 7 to 10 skeins depending on which size is being knitted, making this an intermediate-level project suitable for knitters with some experience in garment construction, shaping, and cable work.

Difficulty Level

Sachertorte is rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern. This classification reflects the combination of techniques required: working pieces separately, executing seed stitch and cable patterns, managing multiple stitch counts across different sizes, and assembling the finished cardigan through seaming. Knitters should be comfortable with basic shaping techniques, reading both written instructions and charts, and finishing methods before beginning this project.