Valley Yarns Squamish Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Squamish Knit Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Squamish is an adult pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman. This knit cardigan combines classic construction with modern ease, making it an ideal project for knitters transitioning from smaller projects to their first full sweater. Available in sizes XS through 4XL, the finished garment offers a comfortable fit with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease across the chest, ranging from 37½ inches in the smallest size to 69½ inches in the largest size.

Techniques Used

The Squamish employs several fundamental knitting techniques that build essential skills while maintaining accessibility for adventurous beginners. The sweater is worked flat, meaning knitters work back and forth in rows rather than in the round, which simplifies construction and is less intimidating for newer knitters. The individual pieces—front, back, and sleeves—are seamed together after completion, creating clean, professional-looking seams that add structure to the finished garment. This pieced construction approach allows knitters to work on manageable sections before assembly, making the overall project feel less overwhelming.

Stitches Used

The Squamish features a combination of stitch patterns that create visual interest while remaining achievable for the target skill level. Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric base, providing a smooth, classic appearance that showcases the yarn's qualities. Gansey stitches (traditional patterned stitches from guernsey knitting heritage) are incorporated throughout the design, adding textural definition and visual complexity without requiring advanced techniques. Double moss stitch appears in the pattern instructions, creating a subtle textured surface through alternating knit and purl stitches in a four-row repeat. Cable stitches are utilized in the design, adding dimensional interest and that rugged aesthetic the pattern describes. A single hem finish provides a neat edge detail on the completed garment.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Squamish is designed specifically for Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Bulky, a worsted-weight yarn composed of 100% extra fine superwash merino wool. Each skein provides 109 yards and weighs 100 grams. The yarn requirements range from 10 skeins for the smallest size (XS) to 20 skeins for the largest size (4XL), with the sample shown in Size M requiring 13 skeins in Color 14 Burgundy. The superwash treatment makes this sweater practical for regular washing, an important feature for a frequently-worn basic pullover.

Knitting needles required include US 10 (6mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 24–30-inch lengths for the main fabric, and US 9 (5.5mm) circular needles in the same lengths for ribbed edgings and finishing. The gauge is established at 14 stitches and 18 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch when blocked using the larger needles. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, stitch holders for managing live stitches, a cable needle for working cable stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Skill Level and Construction Speed

Rated as an Adventurous Beginner project, the Squamish is specifically designed for knitters ready to expand their abilities beyond basic scarves and small accessories. The bulky yarn weight and large needles (US 10) create a fast-working fabric that produces gratifying progress, helping maintain motivation throughout the project. The combination of straightforward stockinette stitch sections with patterned details provides skill-building opportunities without overwhelming complexity. Many knitters find that the relatively quick completion time—compared to finer-gauge sweaters—makes this an excellent confidence-building first sweater project.