Tahki Yarns Dagwood Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Dagwood Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Dagwood is an advanced-level knitted cardigan designed by Debbie West. This complex garment is available in six sizes ranging from XSmall to 2X, with finished bust measurements from 31¼ inches (79.5 cm) to 50¾ inches (129 cm) and lengths from 32¼ inches (82 cm) to 36½ inches (92.5 cm). The cardigan features a sophisticated construction that combines multiple knitting techniques and stitch patterns to create a refined, wearable piece.

Techniques Used

The Dagwood cardigan employs several advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its complex classification:

• Worked Flat: The main body sections of the cardigan are constructed using flat knitting, allowing for precise shaping and detailed stitch work across the fronts and back.
• Worked in the Round: Certain sections utilize circular needle techniques to create seamless construction where appropriate.
• Seamed Construction: Finished pieces are seamed together, requiring careful blocking and assembly for a professional appearance.
• Buttonholes: The cardigan features strategically placed buttonholes worked into the fabric during knitting, with 10 to 11 buttons (depending on size) used for closure.
• Buttons: The garment uses ¼-inch buttons to complete the front closure, adding both functional and aesthetic appeal.
• Shaping: Advanced shaping techniques are employed for armhole and neck divisions, with bind-offs and decreases carefully calculated for each size.

Stitches Used

The Dagwood pattern incorporates multiple stitch types to create visual interest and texture:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout most of the garment, providing a smooth, classic fabric base.
• Snowflake Lace: A decorative lace pattern worked over a multiple of 8 stitches plus 5, featuring yarn overs and decreases (ssk, k2tog, and sl2-k1-p2sso) to create an openwork snowflake motif. This 12-row repeat pattern adds sophisticated texture and visual dimension to the cardigan.
• Decreases: The pattern uses slip, slip, knit (ssk) and knit 2 together (k2tog) decreases for shaping, as well as the centered double decrease (sl2-k1-p2sso) used in the lace pattern.
• Yarn Overs: Yarn overs (yo) are integral to both the Snowflake Lace pattern and buttonhole construction.

Materials

The Dagwood cardigan is crafted using high-quality materials specified for each size:

• Yarn: Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed Fine, a blend of 70% wool and 30% mohair. The main color (MC) is #2703 Dark Taupe, requiring 7 to 11 balls depending on size (each ball weighs 1.75 oz/50g and contains 218 yards/200 meters). A coordinating contrast color (CC) #2730 Faded Denim is used for accents, requiring 3 balls across all sizes.
• Needles: Size 3 (3.25mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches (60 cm) for the main fabric, plus four size 3 (3.25mm) double-pointed needles for smaller circumference sections.
• Notions: Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, waste yarn for holding stitches during construction, and an eye hook for finishing details.
• Gauge: 25 stitches and 36 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch when blocked, which is essential to achieve the correct finished measurements.

Pattern Notes

The Dagwood pattern requires knitters to check gauge carefully before beginning, as accurate gauge is critical for proper fit across the six available sizes. The pattern involves complex shaping with multiple bind-offs and decreases for armholes and neck divisions, making it suitable for experienced knitters comfortable with advanced construction techniques. The combination of Stockinette stitch and Snowflake Lace creates a balanced design that showcases both the stitch work and the beautiful Donegal Tweed Fine yarn.