Gardiner Yarn Works Valencia Jumper Knitting Pattern

Gardiner Yarn Works Valencia - Plus! Seamless Knit Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Gardiner Yarn Works Valencia - Plus! is a seamless, bottom-up knit sweater designed for women's extended sizes (XXL through 6X). This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated construction with waist shaping and decorative cable panels, making it an engaging summer knit suitable for worsted-weight yarn.

Garment Specifications

Sizing and Measurements: Available in five sizes with bust measurements of 37 inches (XXL), 41.5 inches (3X), 46 inches (4X), 50 inches (5X), and 54.5 inches (6X). Length ranges from 25 inches to 33.5 inches depending on size. The sample pictured is modeled with approximately 8 inches of negative ease for a fitted silhouette.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Seamless, Worked in the Round: The entire sweater is constructed in the round using circular needles, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, professional finish.
• Bottom-Up Construction: The garment is worked from the cast-on edge upward, allowing for easy length adjustments and straightforward gauge monitoring throughout the project.
• Cable Panels: Two distinct cable patterns feature prominently—the Front Smocked Cable and the Back Pretzel Cable—adding visual interest and texture to the design.
• Waist Shaping: Strategic increases and decreases create a fitted silhouette with defined waist shaping.
• Stretchy Rib Sections: 2x2 ribbing provides stretch and recovery, particularly in the waist and body sections.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary fabric stitch with a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rounds over 4 inches on size 7 (4.5mm) needles.
• 2x2 Ribbing: Alternating knit and purl stitches create elastic sections, worked at a gauge of 30 stitches and 26 rounds over 4 inches.
• Front Smocked Cable: A 20-stitch cable pattern worked over the front of the garment, requiring cable needle manipulation for the smocked effect.
• Back Pretzel Cable: A 26-stitch cable pattern on the back, creating a pretzel-like visual texture and requiring careful stitch count management as this pattern adds stitches during certain rounds.
• Cable Techniques: Both cable patterns utilize cable needles to cross stitches, creating the dimensional twisted and braided effects characteristic of cable knitting.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Yarn: The pattern calls for worsted-weight yarn in quantities ranging from approximately 1,225 yards (XXL) to 2,400 yards (6X), depending on the chosen size. The sample garment was knitted using Cascade Yarns Venezia Worsted in color #105.

Needles and Tools: Knitters will need size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles in a 24-inch length (or size appropriate to obtain gauge), two cable needles for manipulating cable stitches, five stitch markers for tracking pattern sections and increases, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Additional Notions: A crochet hook is included in the materials list, though its specific application within the pattern should be verified in the complete instructions.

Pattern Highlights

The Valencia - Plus! combines classic cable work with modern seamless construction techniques. The body begins with a stretchy 2x2 ribbed cast-on of 280 to 408 stitches (depending on size), establishing the foundation for the garment. The cable panels are introduced immediately in the first round, with the Front Smocked Cable and Back Pretzel Cable positioned strategically around the body. Ribbed sections between the cables provide textural contrast and help define the waist. The pattern notes that the Back Pretzel Cable increases stitch counts during certain rounds (specifically after rounds 4-10 or 16-22), requiring careful attention to stitch counts and pattern adjustments. This intermediate-level project rewards knitters with a polished, professional-looking garment featuring both technical cable work and flattering shaping.