Seaton Cardigan in Rowan Softyak DK - Downloadable PDF

Seaton Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Sarah Hatton in Rowan Softyak DK

The Seaton Cardigan is a beautifully crafted knitted cardigan designed by Sarah Hatton and published by Rowan. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it a rewarding project for knitters who are comfortable with more complex stitch combinations and shaping techniques. The design is worked in Rowan Softyak DK yarn, a distinctive blend that incorporates yak fibre for exceptional softness and a subtle, natural lustre.

Sizing and Fit

The Seaton Cardigan is offered in an impressive range of ten sizes, designed to fit chest measurements from 59–61 cm (23–24 in) up to 132–137 cm (52–54 in). The actual garment chest measurements range from 71 cm (28 in) to 146 cm (57½ in), providing a comfortable, considered ease across the size range. This generous size inclusivity makes the pattern accessible to a wide variety of knitters and body types.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a classic cardigan — a front-opening knitted jacket with structured stitch patterning across the body. The design features a sophisticated combination of textured panels that give the Seaton Cardigan its distinctive, elegant character. The patterning is carefully constructed with repeating motifs that run across the fronts and back, creating a cohesive, polished look suitable for everyday wear or smarter occasions.

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting: The cardigan pieces are worked back and forth in rows, with separate front, back, and sleeve sections that are seamed together on finishing.
• Stitch pattern repeats: The pattern uses carefully structured row-by-row instructions with bracketed figures for each of the ten sizes, requiring the knitter to follow their specific size throughout.
• Cable and cross stitches: The pattern references Cr2R (Cross 2 Right) and Cr2L (Cross 2 Left) techniques, which are simple cable-style crossing stitches worked without a cable needle. These create the signature twisted or crossed stitch detailing visible within the textured panels.
• Shaping: As expected of an intermediate-level cardigan, the pattern includes garment shaping — such as armhole, neck, and sleeve shaping — requiring the knitter to work increases and decreases at specified points.
• Seaming and finishing: Once all pieces are knitted, standard finishing techniques are used to join the sections into the completed cardigan.

Stitches Used

The Seaton Cardigan employs a rich combination of stitches that create its textured, panelled appearance:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches — the foundation of all the textured patterning, used in structured combinations to form ribbed and moss-like sections.
• Rib stitch variations — including K2, P2 and K3, P2 rib sequences, used both in the body patterning and likely in borders and cuffs.
• Cr2R (Cross 2 Right) — a right-leaning cross stitch that adds a subtle twisted cable detail to the fabric.
• Cr2L (Cross 2 Left) — the mirror image of Cr2R, worked alongside it to create symmetrical crossed motifs.
• Textured panel stitches — complex combinations of knit and purl stitches arranged in repeating sequences, such as K5, P3, K2, P7, K2, P3, K5, which build the decorative panels characteristic of this design.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is specifically designed for Rowan Softyak DK, a DK weight yarn from the Rowan brand. Softyak DK is a premium yarn known for its blend of natural fibres including yak, which contributes to its notably soft handle, gentle drape, and warmth. The DK weight ensures the stitch definition required to showcase the Seaton Cardigan's intricate textured panels clearly and beau