Tastu Top in Rowan Softyak DK - Downloadable PDF

Tastu Top by Marie Wallin – Knitting Pattern Summary (Rowan Softyak DK)

The Tastu Top is an elegant, intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Marie Wallin and published by Rowan as an online exclusive downloadable PDF. This beautifully constructed pullover top is worked in the luxuriously soft Rowan Softyak DK yarn, photographed in the earthy, rich shade Peat 242. With its carefully shaped silhouette and textured stitch pattern, the Tastu Top is a rewarding project for knitters who are comfortable with shaping techniques and multi-row pattern repeats.

What Is Being Made

The Tastu Top is a knitted pullover top designed to fit a range of bust sizes. It is available in five sizes:

• S – to fit 81–86 cm (32–34 in) bust
• M – to fit 91–97 cm (36–38 in) bust
• L – to fit 102–107 cm (40–42 in) bust
• XL – to fit 112–117 cm (44–46 in) bust
• XXL – to fit 122–127 cm (48–50 in) bust

The garment features integrated short sleeves that are shaped directly from the body, created by casting on additional stitches at the armhole stage rather than working separate sleeve pieces. This construction gives the top a clean, seamless-looking sleeve line and a relaxed, wearable silhouette suitable for a variety of occasions.

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 quantity required varies by size:

• S: 5 x 50g balls
• M: 6 x 50g balls
• L: 7 x 50g balls
• XL: 8 x 50g balls
• XXL: 9 x 50g balls

The sample garment is knitted in Peat 242, a deep, warm, earthy tone that complements the natural quality of the Softyak DK fibre. Rowan Softyak DK is known for its gentle halo and its blend that incorporates yak fibre, lending it exceptional softness and a slightly rustic, organic feel that makes it ideal for relaxed, wearable tops.

Needles Required

• 1 pair 3¼mm (no 10) (US 3) needles – typically used for ribbing or edging sections
• 1 pair 4mm (no 8) (US 6) needles – used for the main body fabric

Tension

The stated tension for this pattern is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm, measured over the stitch pattern using 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is especially important in a fitted top like the Tastu, as even small variations can significantly affect the finished bust measurement and overall garment length. Knitters are strongly advised to work a tension swatch before beginning.

Techniques Used

The Tastu Top employs a range of shaping and construction techniques that make it well suited to intermediate knitters looking to develop their skills:

• Sleeve shaping integrated into the body: Rather than knitting separate sleeves, stitches are increased at each end of the body and then additional stitches are cast on at the beginning of rows to form the sleeve extensions. This is a classic drop-shoulder or extended-shoulder construction method.
• Incremental increases: Sleeve shaping begins with increases worked on alternate rows, followed by increases on every row, creating a smooth, gradual curve. Specifically, increases are made at each end of the next and following 3 alternate rows, then on the following 5 rows.
• Casting on mid-work: 11 stitches are cast on at the beginning of the next 2 rows to complete the sleeve extension,