Tenzin Cardigan in Rowan Softyak DK - Downloadable PDF

Tenzin Cardigan by Marie Wallin – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Tenzin Cardigan is a beautifully crafted knitted cardigan designed by Marie Wallin and published by Rowan as a paid, online-exclusive downloadable PDF pattern. Inspired by a relaxed yet refined aesthetic, Tenzin is a full-sized women's cardigan featuring elegant stitch patterning, structured shaping, and a button-front opening. It is available in five sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), making it an inclusive and versatile design suitable for a wide range of knitters.

What Is Being Made

The Tenzin Cardigan is a classic women's cardigan knitted in pieces and seamed together. It comprises a back, a left front, and a right front, each worked from the bottom up. The garment features a button band and is fastened with 11 buttons (style BN1365, 11mm, sourced from Bedecked). The finished cardigan has a polished, structured silhouette with carefully shaped shoulders and a neat back neck, making it suitable as a wardrobe staple or a statement layering piece.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Rowan Softyak DK, a distinctive DK-weight yarn that blends the softness of natural fibres with a subtle, characterful texture. The sample shown in the pattern photography was knitted in Plain 232. Yarn quantities required are:

• Size S: 7 x 50g balls
• Size M: 8 x 50g balls
• Size L: 9 x 50g balls
• Size XL: 10 x 50g balls
• Size XXL: 11 x 50g balls

Rowan Softyak DK is a yarn celebrated for its softness and gentle drape, making it an excellent choice for a cardigan that sits close to the body and requires stitch definition. Its DK weight strikes a balance between speed of knitting and fine detail, allowing the stitch pattern to read clearly across the fabric.

Needles and Tension

Two pairs of straight needles are required:

• 3¼mm (UK no. 10 / US 3) needles – used for the ribbed welts and borders
• 4mm (UK no. 8 / US 6) needles – used for the main body patterning

The stated tension is 24½ stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm, measured over the stitch pattern using 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct tension is particularly important in this design, as the stitch pattern involves paired increases and decreases that rely on precise stitch counts to maintain the integrity of the motif. Knitters are advised to swatch carefully before beginning.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Rib Stitch

The lower welts of the back and fronts are worked in a 1x1 rib (knit 1, purl 1 alternating across every row). This two-row rib repeat is worked over 10 cm before transitioning to the main body. Rib creates a naturally elastic, neat edge that helps the cardigan maintain its shape at the hem and cuffs.

Chart-Based Stitch Pattern

The main body of the Tenzin Cardigan is worked from a knitting chart, featuring an 8-stitch pattern repeat worked across the row and a 12-row pattern repeat worked vertically throughout the body. This type of charted pattern typically incorporates decorative elements such as lace, cables, or textured motifs — the chart-based approach allows the design to be read visually, which is particularly helpful when managing shaping alongside the repeat.

An important pattern note is included: when working decreases within the charted pattern, each decrease must be matched by a corresponding increase to maintain st