Valley Yarns Hereford Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Hereford Cardigan: Vintage-Inspired Knit with Slip-Stitch Patterning

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Hereford is an intermediate-level cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman that captures the aesthetic of 1960s fashion. This layering piece features a distinctive slip-stitch Thorn pattern on the cardigan fronts, creating a modern yet retro visual effect. The design combines patterned fronts with solid-colored back and sleeves, accented by contrast color bands and faux pocket trim. The cardigan is available in sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with finished bust measurements from 34¾ inches to 69½ inches, designed to fit with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Hereford employs multiple construction techniques to achieve its tailored fit and visual interest:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan body is worked from the bottom up in separate pieces, allowing knitters to try on and adjust length as needed before seaming.
• Worked flat: The main body pieces are worked back and forth in rows on circular needles, rather than in the round, which accommodates the front and back shaping.
• Short-row shaping: Shoulders are enhanced with short-row shaping to improve fit across the shoulders and upper back.
• Seamed construction: After individual pieces are completed, they are seamed together to create the finished garment, providing structure and durability.
• Worked in the round: Ribbed hems, cuffs, and the crew neck band are worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles for a polished, professional finish.

Stitches Featured

The Hereford showcases two primary stitch patterns that work together to create its distinctive aesthetic:

• Thorn slip-stitch pattern: This two-color slip-stitch pattern appears exclusively on the cardigan fronts, creating a textured, visually striking design. The slip-stitch technique involves slipping stitches from one row to the next without knitting them, allowing the color beneath to show through and creating the characteristic Thorn effect. This pattern is worked using both the main color and contrast color.
• Stockinette stitch: Used for the solid-colored back and sleeves, stockinette stitch provides a smooth, classic background that allows the patterned fronts to be the focal point of the design.
• Ribbed stitching: Knit and purl ribbing is used for all hems, cuffs, and the crew neck band, providing elasticity and a refined edge that frames the garment.

Yarn and Materials

The Hereford is designed to showcase the qualities of Valley Yarns Westfield, a premium yarn blend that offers excellent stitch definition. The main color (MC) requires 8 to 15 balls depending on size, while the contrast color (CC) requires 3 to 6 balls. Valley Yarns Westfield is composed of 60% fine merino wool, 20% yak fiber, and 20% silk, providing warmth, softness, and a subtle sheen. The sample shown is worked in color 114 Denim for the main color and color 104 Sage for the contrast color.

Knitting needles required include US size 6 (4 mm) circular needles in 16–24 inch and 32–40 inch lengths, plus a set of double-pointed needles for the smaller circumference sections. US size 4 (3.50 mm) needles in the same configurations are used for ribbed sections. Additional materials include stitch markers, locking stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, seven ¾-inch diameter buttons, and a sewing needle with matching thread for button attachment.

Gauge and Fit Considerations

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The Hereford requires a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needles, blocked. The Thorn slip-stitch pattern on the fronts has a slightly different gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches, also blocked. The cardigan is designed to fit with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease; knitters preferring a closer fit may choose one size smaller than their typical size.