Savannah Cabled Tabard

Savannah Cabled Tabard by Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton

What Is Being Made

The Savannah Cabled Tabard is a knitted sleeveless top designed by Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton. This intermediate-level garment features a sophisticated cable pattern and is available in three sizes: Small (34" width), Medium (37.5" width), and Large (41" width). The tabard silhouette offers a versatile layering piece with lengths ranging from 25" to 27" depending on size selection.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern employs cable knitting as its primary decorative technique. The designer incorporates strategic cable placement throughout the garment structure, creating visual interest and textural depth. The pattern instructions reference cable crosses (noted as C-LC in the stitch sequence), which require careful manipulation of stitches to achieve the characteristic twisted rope effect that defines cable knitting.

The construction utilizes flat knitting worked in separate back and front pieces, with shaping achieved through strategic stitch placement and pattern repeats. The designer notes important technical considerations regarding fabric behavior: the chosen yarn creates a stretchy, body-molding fabric that will grow in length during wear, making gauge swatch verification essential before beginning the project.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) — the foundation stitch used for gauge measurement and primary fabric base
• Garter Stitch (K) — knit stitches used for edge definition and pattern framing
• Purl Stitches (P) — reverse stockinette elements creating contrast within the cable pattern
• Cable Stitches — twisted stitch patterns created by crossing groups of stitches over each other using a cable needle

The stitch pattern follows a structured repeat sequence across rows, with specific instructions for wrong-side (WS) and right-side (RS) rows. The pattern establishes a repeating motif that incorporates cable crosses, purl columns, and stockinette sections in a balanced arrangement.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for Heaven's Hand Silke yarn in worsted weight. Yardage requirements vary by size: Small requires 4 hanks (approximately 1,032 yards total), Medium requires 5 hanks (approximately 1,290 yards), and Large requires 6 hanks (approximately 1,548 yards). Each 100-gram hank provides approximately 258 yards of fiber.

Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) needles are specified for the main fabric, with a cable needle required for executing cable crosses. The designer recommends adjusting needle size as needed to achieve the specified gauge of 20 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch.

Gauge Consideration: Achieving proper gauge is emphasized as critical to garment fit. The pattern notes that if gauge is achieved in stockinette stitch, measurements should translate accurately into the cable pattern. The Silke yarn's inherent stretch means even slight negative ease (garment smaller than body measurements) can produce a pleasing, body-conforming fit.

Design Notes

The Savannah Cabled Tabard represents an intermediate knitting project suitable for knitters with experience in cable techniques and garment construction. The cable pattern creates a structured, elegant aesthetic while the worsted-weight yarn allows for relatively quick project completion. The tabard format makes this piece adaptable for various styling options and layering combinations.