Dolman Cardigan in Schachenmayr Tahiti - 2177

Dolman Cardigan in Schachenmayr Tahiti – Free Knitting Pattern (PDF Download)

This free downloadable knitting pattern from Schachenmayr guides knitters through the construction of an elegant Dolman Cardigan worked in the brand's beautiful Tahiti yarn. The design is notable for its seamless, over-the-shoulder construction, combining decorative lace with structured ribbing for a garment that is both visually striking and comfortable to wear. The pattern is available in five sizes: 32/34, 36/38, 40/42, 44/46, and 48/50, making it accessible to a wide range of knitters.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a dolman-style cardigan, a classic silhouette characterized by wide, flowing sleeves that are integrated into the body of the garment rather than set in separately. This creates a relaxed, draped fit across the shoulders and upper body. The cardigan features a center front opening created by dividing the work at the neckline, producing two front panels that mirror the back. The overall effect is a lightweight, open-front layering piece well suited to warmer seasons, thanks in large part to the breathable cotton-based yarn used.

Construction Method

One of the most interesting aspects of this pattern is its seamless, top-down shoulder construction. The back and front pieces are worked in one piece over the shoulder, beginning at the back. Stitches are cast on and the back is worked upward; at a height of approximately 49 cm, the work is divided at the center for the neckline opening, and each front panel is then worked separately. This approach eliminates the need for shoulder seams and gives the finished garment a clean, professional drape. The sleeves are noted to begin at the same point in the yarn's color progression on each side, ensuring symmetry in the finished piece.

Stitch Patterns Used

• Rippenmuster (Ribbing): A structured rib pattern forms the side panels of the body. It is worked in a combination of knit and purl stitches — specifically alternating sequences of 2 purl stitches and 2 knit stitches, or 3 purl stitches and 2 knit stitches depending on placement. This ribbing provides elasticity and helps the garment conform gently to the body at the sides.
• Fantasiemuster / Lochmuster (Lace / Eyelet Pattern): A central panel of 58 stitches, measuring approximately 17 cm wide, is worked in a decorative lace stitch pattern. This pattern involves yarn-overs, slip-stitch decreases, and two-stitch decreases worked together, creating an open, airy eyelet fabric. The lace panel runs vertically through the center of the back and continues over the shoulder into the front, serving as the visual focal point of the cardigan.
• Glatt links (Reverse Stockinette): Sections of the front panels are worked in reverse stockinette, adding textural contrast and contributing to the fluid, draped quality of the dolman silhouette.
• Blende (Edging): A simple border is worked at the cast-on edge using one right-side row knitted, followed by two rows purled, creating a neat, rolled-style finish.

Shaping Techniques

The dolman silhouette is achieved through side shaping worked via yarn-overs rather than traditional increases. On every third row, two stitches are increased on each side of the central 58-stitch lace panel by working a yarn-over adjacent to the panel on both sides. These yarn-overs are then worked into the ribbing pattern on the following row in a twisted manner so that they integrate seamlessly into the rib structure. Over the course of 180 rows, this gradual shaping expands the stitch count significantly — from the initial cast-on of 148–158–178–198–218 stitches up to 268–278–298–318–338 stitches — creating the characteristic wide sleeve and body shape of a dolman garment.

Gauge and Tension

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for a well-fitting result. The pattern specifies:

• Ribbing (measured stretched widthwise): 34 stitches and 38 rows = 10 × 10 cm