Tie Front Cardigan

Tie Front Cardigan by Sian Brown

What is Being Made

The Tie Front Cardigan is a women's knitted cardigan designed by Sian Brown, available in six sizes to fit bust measurements from 82cm (32 inches) to 107cm (42 inches). The finished cardigan features a tie front closure and ranges in length from approximately 50cm to 55cm (19¾ to 21¾ inches) from cast-on edge to shoulder. This beginner-friendly knitting project is worked primarily in a main color with contrast color accents, creating a classic layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner knitters. The pattern uses raglan armhole shaping, which creates diagonal seams from the underarm to the neckline, a classic construction method that provides comfortable fit and elegant lines. Decreasing is utilized to shape the waist, with strategic decreases worked at regular intervals to create a fitted silhouette. The pattern incorporates color work through the use of contrast yarn in the ribbed edging, adding visual interest to the finished piece. The cardigan is constructed in pieces and requires basic seaming to join components together.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the cardigan body is stockinette stitch (abbreviated as st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a knit side and purl side. The ribbed edging at the cast-on edge is worked in garter stitch, created by knitting every row, which produces a textured, elastic border that frames the garment. These fundamental stitches combine to create both visual appeal and functional structure, with the garter stitch providing stretch and definition at the edges while the stockinette stitch forms the main body fabric.

Materials and Yarn

The Tie Front Cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Calmer, an aran-weight yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 6 balls to 9 balls of 50g each in the main color, with 2 to 3 balls of contrast color depending on the chosen size. Aran-weight yarn is a medium-weight option that knits relatively quickly and produces a fabric with good drape and structure, making it ideal for cardigan construction. The pattern specifies two pairs of knitting needles: 4.5mm (US size 7) needles for the ribbed edging and 5mm (US size 8) needles for the main body. The tension is set at 21 stitches and 30 rows over a 10cm (4-inch) square in stockinette stitch on the 5mm needles, which is essential to achieve the correct finished measurements.