TAIKA Cardigan is knitted back and forth and from bottom up, starting at back hem. After shaping the sleeves, right and left back are knitted separately, one at a time. Two brioche bands start as a “V” shape and grow to become the front bands, also knitted one at a time. The shoulders are shaped with a few short rows. After this step, left and right back become the left and right fronts. The left and right front sides are worked one at the time. Both front sides have set-in pockets. The sides and underarms are seamed after finishing the body and before starting the sleeves. Sleeves are worked circularly.
The bottom hem, the bands, and cuffs are worked over a basic one-color Brioche Stitch.
Blocking is essential for this cardigan. Stockinette and Brioche stitches have different structure and tension and because we knit the left band at the same time as the left front and the right band at the same time as the right front, wetting block the cardigan is crucial to achieving the sample’s look.

Yarn
877 981, 1115, 1284, 1433, 1571 meters / 973 (1089, 1273, 1425, 1591, 1744) yards of DK weight yarn.
*** sample in size 101.5 cm to fit bust 86.5 – 91.5cm – 40” (to fit bust 34-36”) shown in Manos Del Uruguay Silk Blend (70% wool 30% silk -50g 150 yrds/135m) #color Pewter – 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) skeins.

Finished Measurements
Sizes: 91.4 101.5, 111.8, 122, 132, 142 cm / 36 (40, 44, 48, 52, 56)” measurements after blocking
To fit bust 76 - 81 86.5 – 91.5, 96.5 – 101.5, 106.5 –112, 117 – 122, 127 - 132 cm / 30-32 (34-36, 38-40, 42-44, 46-48, 50-52)”

Needles
One 32” circular US 6/4 mm
One 9” or 12” circular US 6/4 mm or one set of dpn’s US 6/4 mm or longer circular needles, if you would like to work with Magic Loop.
OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE

Gauge
20 stitches and 30 rows in 10 X 10 cm or 4” X 4” in Stockinette Stitch after blocking.
Materials
Stitch markers; stitch holder; darning or tapestry needle; T-pins for blocking.