Valley Yarns Bradstreet Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Bradstreet Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Bradstreet is a classic scoop neck cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman that falls to mid-thigh with a soft, elegant drape. This garment features a button front that extends from the neckline to the waist, allowing the lower half to drape beautifully when unbuttoned. The cardigan includes optional patch pockets and is available in sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with finished bust measurements from 33 inches to 68½ inches when buttoned. The design is specifically recommended as an excellent first sweater project for newer knitters, despite its advanced beginner skill level.

Techniques Used

The Bradstreet is worked using a bottom-up construction method, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, and pieces are seamed together to create the finished cardigan. This approach allows for careful shaping and provides excellent stitch definition throughout the project. The pattern incorporates short-row shaping (abbreviated as P&T, or pin and turn) for refined fit adjustments. The design uses straightforward increases and decreases, including K2tog (knit 2 together), P2tog (purl 2 together), and ssk (slip, slip, knit) techniques to shape the garment at strategic points.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern featured in the Bradstreet is the Little Check stitch, which creates an allover textured surface that adds visual interest and depth to the cardigan. This check stitch pattern is worked throughout the body of the garment and provides excellent stitch definition. The pattern also incorporates K2/P2 Rib (a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2), which is used for ribbed edgings such as cuffs and neckline finishing. The K2/P2 Rib is worked by alternating knit and purl stitches in a 2-by-2 pattern, creating elastic, finished edges that frame the garment beautifully.

Materials and Yarn

The Bradstreet is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Amherst, a workhorse wool yarn composed of 100% Merino Wool. Each skein contains 50 grams and yields 109 yards. The yarn comes in the color Jungle. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 13 skeins for the smallest size (XS) to 22 skeins for the largest size (5XL). The pattern calls for US size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles measuring 32 to 40 inches in length for the main fabric, and US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles of the same length for ribbed edgings. The gauge is 18 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when working the Little Check stitch pattern with the larger needles, after blocking.

Additional Materials and Notions

Beyond yarn and needles, the Bradstreet requires several finishing notions: 7 buttons measuring ¾ inch in diameter for the button band, a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, stitch markers (including locking stitch markers or knitter's safety pins) to track pattern repeats and shaping points, and stitch holders to temporarily secure stitches during construction. These materials work together to create a polished, professional-looking finished garment.

Design Features and Fit

The Bradstreet is designed to fit with 4 to 6 inches of positive ease, meaning the finished bust measurement is 4 to 6 inches larger than the wearer's actual bust measurement. This generous ease contributes to the soft, skimming silhouette that flatters all figures. The optional patch pockets add both functionality and visual interest to the design, allowing knitters to customize their finished garment. The combination of the check stitch texture, scoop neckline, and mid-thigh length creates a versatile piece that works as a wardrobe staple for various seasons and styling occasions.