Dagwood in Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed Fine - Downloadable PDF

Dagwood Cardigan in Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed Fine — Pattern Summary

About This Design

The Dagwood is a sophisticated, complex knitted cardigan designed by Debbie West and published as a downloadable PDF pattern by Tahki Stacy Charles Inc. This is a fully seamed, structured cardigan worked in a combination of flat and in-the-round techniques, making it a rewarding project for advanced knitters. The design is offered in six sizes — XSmall, Small, Medium, Large, XL, and 2X — with a buttoned bust measurement ranging from 31¼ to 50¾ inches (79.5–129 cm) and a length of approximately 32¼ to 36½ inches (82–92.5 cm), making it a longline, substantial garment with a refined, tailored silhouette.

Construction and Techniques

The Dagwood cardigan employs a blend of construction methods that give it both structure and visual interest. Key techniques include:

• Worked flat — the main body panels and front bands are worked back and forth in rows, creating neat, seamed edges suited to a structured cardigan
• Worked in the round — circular and double-pointed needles are used for certain sections, such as sleeve or detail construction
• Seamed construction — pieces are joined with seams for a polished, garment-quality finish that helps the fabric hold its shape
• Buttonholes — the pattern includes carefully spaced, neatly worked buttonholes to accommodate 10 to 11 buttons (depending on size) measuring ¼ inch, plus one eye hook closure for additional fastening at the neckline
• Neck and armhole shaping — the pattern features structured bind-offs and shaping rows to create a well-defined neckline and armhole division

Stitches Used

The primary stitch fabric of the Dagwood cardigan is Stockinette stitch, which forms the smooth, classic base of the garment and showcases the beautiful texture of the tweed yarn. The gauge is set at 25 stitches and 36 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in blocked Stockinette stitch, emphasizing the importance of blocking this yarn for accurate sizing. Additional pattern stitches are referenced within the PDF, contributing textural or structural detail to the finished cardigan. The use of stitch markers and waste yarn is called for, indicating careful stitch management throughout construction.

Materials — Yarn

This pattern is specifically written for Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed Fine, a beautifully textured 4-ply (fingering weight) yarn with a composition of 70% Wool and 30% Mohair. Each ball contains 218 yards (200 m) and weighs 1.75 oz (50 g). The pattern calls for two colors:

• Main Color (MC): Dark Taupe (#2703) — 7 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) balls depending on size
• Contrast Color (CC): Faded Denim (#2730) — 3 balls across all sizes

The wool and mohair blend gives Donegal Tweed Fine a characteristic warmth, subtle halo, and the signature flecked tweed texture that makes this cardigan visually rich and seasonally versatile. The two-color combination of Dark Taupe and Faded Denim creates a classic, understated palette ideal for everyday wear.

Materials — Needles and Notions

The pattern requires the following tools and notions:

• One size 3 (3.25 mm) circular needle, 24 inches (60 cm) long, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Four size 3 (3.25 mm) double-pointed needles for working smaller circumference sections in the round
• Stitch markers and waste yarn