Valley Yarns Yorkshire Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Yorkshire Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Yorkshire is an ombre-striped three-season cardigan designed by Susan Baron. This open cardigan is versatile enough to wear during spring errands, fall dinners, or as an extra winter layer. The striking color combinations create a garment that coordinates with most wardrobes, and the design is available in sizes ranging from XS to 5XL with finished bust measurements from 36¼" to 67".

Construction and Techniques

This cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down, a construction method that minimizes seaming and creates a polished, professional finish. The yoke is shaped using raglan increases, which create diagonal lines from the neckline to the underarms for a flattering fit. Once the yoke shaping is complete, the sleeve stitches are placed on hold while the body is worked down to the hem. The sleeves are then worked separately down to the cuffs, allowing for customized sleeve length if desired.

The garment is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, giving the knitter flexibility in construction. The cardigan features bold ombre stripes created by an unusual color-mixing technique: two strands of yarn are held together throughout, with color combinations varying to form the stripes. One color changes at a time, and unused colors are cut at transitions to keep the work manageable.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary fabric stitch, worked over the body and sleeves for a smooth, classic appearance
• Ribbing: K2/P2 (knit 2, purl 2) rib worked for 8 rows at the neckline for a fitted, elastic edge that holds its shape

Yarn and Materials

The Yorkshire cardigan is designed to be worked with Valley Yarns Hatfield, a luxurious 100% baby alpaca yarn. Each hank contains 437 yards and weighs 50 grams. The pattern requires 2 to 5 hanks of each of three colors, depending on the size being knitted. The original design features three colors: Caribbean, Light Grey, and Pacific, though knitters can select any three colors from the Hatfield color palette to customize their finished garment.

Two strands of yarn are held together throughout the entire project, which affects both the gauge and the final fabric weight. This doubling technique creates a denser, warmer fabric suitable for a three-season sweater.

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for Size 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles in both 16" and 32" to 40" lengths, as well as double-pointed needles for smaller circumferences. Circular needles are essential for this top-down construction method. Additional materials include stitch markers to track raglan increases, stitch holders or waste yarn to hold sleeve stitches, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches and 31 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when working with two strands of yarn held together and after steam or mist blocking. The cardigan is designed to fit with 6 to 8 inches of positive ease, meaning it will be larger than the wearer's actual bust measurement for a comfortable, layering-friendly fit.

Skill Level

Rated as Adventurous Beginner, this pattern is suitable for knitters with some experience. The techniques involved—seamless construction, raglan shaping, working flat on circular needles, and managing color changes—require intermediate skills, though the straightforward stitch patterns and clear construction method make it accessible to knitters ready to advance beyond basic projects.