Valley Yarns Tamarack Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Tamarack Wrap-Front Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Tamarack is an elegant wrap-front cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman, featuring a sophisticated deep V-neck with integrated front bands and long sleeves. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with finished bust measurements from 34¼" to 66¼" when fronts are overlapped. The cardigan is designed to be worn with 2–4" positive ease for a comfortable, flattering fit that suits various body types.

Construction and Techniques

The Tamarack cardigan employs multiple knitting techniques to create its distinctive silhouette and visual interest. The garment is worked flat in rows from the hem upward in a single piece construction method, which minimizes seaming and creates a seamless integration of the body sections. The wrap-front V-neck shaping begins at the natural waist with strategic decrease shaping that continues through the shoulder, creating the elegant draping characteristic of wrap cardigans. The drop shoulder construction allows sleeves to be worked down from the armholes in a top-down approach. Optional waist ties are included in the pattern instructions to secure the cardigan closed at one side, though the design also drapes beautifully when worn open. The front panels are proportionally designed at ⅔ the width of the back to allow the fronts to overlap properly at the wrap closure.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Tamarack features two primary stitch patterns that work together to create visual texture and structure. The body is worked in an eyelet rib stitch pattern, which combines the delicate openwork characteristic of lace with the vertical lines of ribbing. This eyelet rib creates a flattering texture that enhances the cardigan's elegant appearance. The long sleeves are worked in stockinette stitch, providing a smooth, classic contrast to the patterned body. Additionally, ribbed front bands are worked together with the body fronts and continue through the shoulder shaping, providing structure and a finished edge. Separate eyelet ribbed bands are worked and then seamed or grafted to the ends of the sleeves, offering flexibility in finishing technique.

Yarn and Materials

The Tamarack pattern calls for Valley Yarns Whately, a luxurious alpaca-cotton blend composed of 68% Baby Alpaca and 32% Organic Pima Cotton. This yarn is prized for its softness and next-to-the-skin comfort, with a characteristic hazy surface finish that enhances the visual appeal of the eyelet rib pattern. Whately is available in Natural colorway for this design. Yarn requirements range from 6 balls for the smallest size (XS) to 14 balls for the largest size (5XL), with each ball containing 50 grams and 164 yards.

Needles and Gauge

The Tamarack requires US size 9 (5.00 mm) needles in multiple lengths: 16" circular needles for smaller circumferences, 24–32" circular needles for larger sections, and double-pointed needles for sleeve cap shaping. US size 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles are specified for working the optional waist ties. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the correct fit: the eyelet rib stitch pattern should measure 18 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches when blocked on the larger needles, while stockinette stitch sections should measure 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches when blocked. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a tapestry needle for seaming, grafting, and weaving in ends.