Tuareg Cardigan in Erika Knight Studio Linen - Downloadable PDF

Tuareg Cardigan by Erika Knight – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Tuareg Cardigan is a beautifully relaxed, oversized asymmetrical front cardigan designed by Erika Knight and worked in Erika Knight Studio Linen yarn. With its distinctive silhouette, textural stitch contrast, and thoughtful details, this is a versatile wardrobe staple that rewards intermediate knitters with a sophisticated, wearable result. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF for home printing and personal use.

What Is Being Made

The Tuareg is an oversized cardigan featuring an asymmetrical front opening, giving it a relaxed, contemporary drape that sets it apart from a traditional button-band cardigan. Key design details include:

• Bracelet-length sleeves – cropped at approximately 26cm (10¼in) across all sizes, adding a modern, effortless feel
• Patch pocket detail – a practical and stylish addition worked directly onto the body
• Rib trims – used at the cuffs and edges to provide neat, structured finishing
• Asymmetrical front band – worked on a circular needle to create the distinctive wrap-style front

The cardigan is offered in three sizes:

• Small – 130cm / 51in finished chest
• Medium – 150cm / 59in finished chest
• Large – 170cm / 67in finished chest

The front and back lengths differ intentionally, reflecting the asymmetrical design concept. The front length ranges from 44cm to 52cm (17¼in–20½in) depending on size, while the back length ranges from 52cm to 56cm (20½in–22in), creating a subtle high-low hem effect that enhances the garment's relaxed, draped aesthetic.

Techniques Used

This pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it well-suited to knitters who are comfortable with shaping and working multiple stitch patterns within a single project. The techniques employed include:

• Flat knitting – the main body and sleeves are worked back and forth in rows
• Circular needle knitting – used specifically for the front band, allowing the asymmetrical trim to be worked smoothly around the opening
• Increasing and decreasing – used for shaping the body, armholes, and sleeves
• Stitch holder usage – stitches are placed on holders at key shaping points, a standard intermediate technique
• Patch pocket construction – the pocket is worked as a separate piece and applied to the garment body
• Rib trim finishing – ribbing is worked at cuffs and borders to provide elasticity and a polished edge

Stitches Used

The Tuareg Cardigan uses a combination of classic knitting stitches that together create a rich textural contrast across the fabric:

• Stocking stitch (stockinette) – the primary fabric of the cardigan body, creating a smooth, flat surface on the right side
• Reverse stocking stitch – used in combination with stocking stitch to introduce subtle textural interest and visual depth; the purl side is intentionally featured as the right side in certain sections
• Rib stitch – worked at the cuffs and trim areas, providing stretch and a neat, tailored finish
• Knit 2 together (K2tog) – a standard right-leaning decrease used in shaping throughout the pattern

The interplay of stocking stitch and reverse stocking stitch is central to the Tuareg's design identity, adding a handcrafted, artisanal quality that complements the natural texture of the linen yarn.

Materials – Yarn

The pattern is designed specifically for Erika Knight Studio Linen, a DK weight yarn with a composition of