Valley Yarns Caramel Creme Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Caramel Crème V-Neck Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Caramel Crème is a modern V-neck cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman with optional embroidery details by Franklin Habit. This knitted cardigan features a contemporary silhouette with minimal shaping, making it an ideal first sweater project while offering sophisticated design elements for experienced knitters. The garment is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with finished bust measurements from 33 inches to 65 inches and lengths from 26½ inches to 30¾ inches.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key construction techniques:

• Worked Flat: The cardigan is knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional front and back panels plus separate sleeves
• Seamed Construction: Pieces are sewn together using a tapestry needle, creating clean finished seams
• Buttonholes: Functional buttonholes are incorporated into the front bands for button closure
• Button Closure: The cardigan fastens with a 1-inch diameter button
• Shaped Hem: Single-row shaped hems create textured side edges that carry visual interest up the cardigan sides, paired with notched sleeve cuffs for unexpected design details

Stitches Used

The Caramel Crème combines two fundamental knitting stitches to create visual and textural contrast:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout most of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side
• Garter Stitch: Used in combination with stockinette to add textural variation and highlight design elements such as the shaped hems and sleeve cuffs

Materials and Specifications

The Caramel Crème is designed to be knitted with Valley Yarns Hawley, a premium blend yarn composed of 50% cotton, 30% silk, 20% nylon/polyamide. Each skein contains 50 grams and yields 135 yards. The yarn is worked in color 12-North Sea. Yardage requirements range from 1,080 yards for size XS to 2,565 yards for size 5XL, requiring between 8 and 19 skeins depending on size selected.

The pattern calls for US 6 (4.00mm) needles or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked. Additional materials include stitch markers, a tapestry needle for seaming, sewing needle and thread to match the yarn or button, and a 1-inch diameter button for the front closure.

For optional embroidery embellishment, knitters may add one skein each of Valley Yarns Hawley in colors Persimmon and Mahogany to create decorative details designed by Franklin Habit.

Design Highlights

The Caramel Crème achieves a modern aesthetic through thoughtful design choices. The V-neck shaping and minimal construction details create a flattering, versatile silhouette suitable for various body types and style preferences. The combination of smooth stockinette and textured garter stitch creates visual interest without overwhelming the design. Notched sleeve cuffs and shaped side hems elevate this cardigan beyond basic construction, providing experienced knitters with engaging details while remaining accessible to those attempting their first sweater project. The cotton and silk blend yarn provides comfort and breathability, making this cardigan suitable for layering across multiple seasons.