Darby Cardigan in Tahki Yarns - TYBSFW20 - 2 - Downloadable PDF

Darby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Teresa Chorzepa – Tahki Yarns TYBSFW20

The Darby Cardigan is a sophisticated, structured women's cardigan designed by Teresa Chorzepa and published by Tahki Yarns. Available as a downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level knitting pattern produces a polished, classic cardigan featuring elegant cable panels, welt pockets, and a clean hemmed finish. It is worked flat in pieces and seamed together, making it an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with construction techniques beyond the basics.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

The Darby Cardigan is offered in five sizes to suit a range of figures:

• Small: 38"/96.5 cm bust, 24½"/62 cm length
• Medium: 44¼"/112.5 cm bust, 25½"/65 cm length
• Large: 47½"/120.5 cm bust, 26½"/67.5 cm length
• XL: 50¾"/129 cm bust, 27"/68.5 cm length
• 2X: 54"/137 cm bust, 28"/71 cm length

The generous range of sizes and the seamed construction allow for a well-fitted, tailored silhouette across different body types.

Materials – Yarn and Needles

The pattern calls for Tahki Yarns Classic Superwash, a 100% superwash wool yarn in a DK weight (3.5 oz/100 g; 218 yds/200 m per ball). The featured colorway is color #4 Charcoal, lending the finished garment a timeless, versatile aesthetic. Yardage requirements by size are as follows:

• Small: 6 balls
• Medium: 7 balls
• Large: 8 balls
• XL: 9 balls
• 2X: 10 balls

Being a superwash wool, Classic Superwash offers the warmth and elasticity of traditional wool with the added convenience of machine-washable care. Its smooth, consistent texture makes it particularly well-suited to showcasing cable detailing.

Additional materials required include:

• One pair of size 6 (4.25 mm) knitting needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Stitch holders
• Stitch markers
• Yarn needle
• 7 (7, 8, 8, 9) buttons, ¾"/18 mm diameter, varying by size

Gauge

The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4"/10 cm in Stockinette stitch using size 6 (4.25 mm) needles. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to achieving the correct finished measurements, particularly given the structured, seamed nature of this cardigan.

Techniques and Construction

The Darby Cardigan is worked flat in separate pieces that are then seamed together — a traditional construction method that produces clean, stable seams and a professional finish. This approach is ideal for knitters who appreciate the structure and drape that seamed garments provide compared to seamless alternatives.

Key techniques used throughout the pattern include:

• Cables: A central cable panel runs as a prominent design feature. The pattern introduces a specific cable cross technique, C2F (slip 2 stitches to a cable needle and hold in front, knit 2, then knit 2 from the cable needle), creating a classic twisted rope or braid effect. The cable panel is worked in combination with ribbing sections for textural contrast.
• Buttonholes: Worked into the button band to accommodate the row of ¾" buttons, the buttonholes are integrated neatly into the flat-worked front bands.
• Buttons: