Westcliff Cardigan - Knitting Pattern for Women in Tahki Yarns Superwash Merino Bulky

Westcliff Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Women by Teresa Chorzepa in Tahki Yarns Superwash Merino Bulky

The Westcliff Cardigan is a women's knitting pattern designed by Teresa Chorzepa and published by Tahki Yarns. This intermediate-level pattern produces a classic, cozy cardigan worked in chunky-weight yarn, making it a satisfying project for knitters who are comfortable with flat knitting and basic shaping techniques. The finished garment features integrated pockets, a clean silhouette, and a polished shoulder finish achieved through a three-needle bind-off.

What You Will Make

This pattern creates a women's cardigan with overlapping front bands and integrated front pockets. The design is offered in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and XL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 39 inches (99 cm) to 56½ inches (143 cm) when the front bands are overlapped. The length is a consistent 25½ inches (65 cm) across all sizes. The sample shown is knitted in size Small.

Construction and Techniques

The Westcliff Cardigan is constructed bottom-up and worked flat in separate pieces, which are then seamed together — a traditional approach that gives the finished cardigan excellent structure and shape retention. Key construction details include:

• Bottom-up construction: Each piece begins at the lower edge and is worked upward toward the shoulders, allowing for straightforward length adjustments.
• Seamed finishing: The individual pieces — fronts, back, and sleeves — are joined by seaming, a technique that adds durability and a neat, professional finish to the garment.
• Integrated pockets: The front pockets are knitted simultaneously with the front panels, meaning no separate pocket linings need to be sewn in after the fact. This technique requires attention to the pattern instructions but results in a seamlessly incorporated pocket.
• Three-needle bind-off: The shoulders are joined using a three-needle bind-off, a technique that simultaneously joins and binds off two sets of live stitches, creating a tidy, sturdy shoulder seam without the need for additional sewing.
• k2Ctbl (Knit 2 Cross through back loops): A special stitch technique used in this pattern where two stitches are knitted together through the back loops, then the process is repeated to create a cross effect. This adds a subtle textural or cable-like detail to the design.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch fabric of the Westcliff Cardigan is Stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knitted surface that showcases the natural beauty of the yarn. The pattern also incorporates a two-row repeating pattern stitch and the special k2Ctbl cross stitch technique for added texture and visual interest. The combination of these stitches gives the cardigan both a polished look and subtle handcrafted detail.

Gauge

The gauge for this pattern is 11 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch. As with any knitting project, checking gauge before beginning is strongly recommended to ensure the finished cardigan matches the intended measurements. Adjusting needle size as needed to achieve the correct gauge is essential for a well-fitting garment.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This pattern is specifically designed for Tahki Yarns Superwash Merino Bulky, a 100% Superwash Merino Wool yarn that comes in hanks of 3.5 oz (100g) with approximately 109 yards (100m) per hank. The sample is knitted in color 05 Light Grey. The superwash treatment means the finished cardigan can be machine washed, adding practical everyday wearability to its luxurious merino softness.

Yarn requirements by size are as follows:

• Small: 8 hanks
• Medium: 10 hanks
• Large: 11 hanks
• XL: 12 hanks

The recommended needle is