Valley Yarns Lacerta Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Lacerta V-Neck Pullover Sweater

What is Being Made

The Lacerta is a V-neck pullover sweater designed by Susan Baron, crafted as a versatile layering piece suitable for changeable weather. This intermediate-level knitting project features a distinctive wavy cable pattern running down the center front and back, showcasing the beautiful color and stitch definition of Valley Yarns Ashfield yarn. The sweater is designed to fit with 2-4 inches of positive ease and is available in sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with finished bust measurements from 34½ inches to 64½ inches.

Techniques Used

The Lacerta sweater employs several key knitting techniques to create its finished structure:

• Bottom-up construction: The sweater is worked from the bottom upward, beginning with cast-on at the lower edge
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing for seaming later
• Cable work: A wavy cable pattern forms the central design element on both the front and back panels, with the back cable flaring out above the armholes to mirror the front shaping
• Seamed construction: Sleeves are worked separately in stockinette stitch and then sewn into the armholes using a tapestry needle
• V-neck shaping: The center wavy cable band divides at the V-neck, creating the characteristic neckline

Stitches Used

The Lacerta pattern incorporates a variety of essential knitting stitches:

• Stockinette stitch: Used for the main body panels and all sleeve sections, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Ribbing: K2/P1 (knit 2, purl 1) ribbing is worked at the lower edge for 2 inches, providing elasticity and definition at the hem
• Wavy Cable pattern: A specialized stitch pattern featuring cable twists that creates the distinctive wavy design running vertically down the center front and back of the sweater

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Lacerta pattern calls for Valley Yarns Ashfield, a premium blend yarn composed of 67% Fine Merino Wool and 33% Bamboo Viscose. This fiber combination provides excellent stitch definition and drape while maintaining breathability. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 10 hanks for the smallest size (XS) to 23 hanks for the largest size (5XL), with each hank containing 50 grams and 117 yards. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in Size S using Sky Blue colorway.

Needles and Tools

Successful completion of the Lacerta requires specific needle sizes and additional knitting tools. The pattern calls for US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in either 24-inch or 32-inch lengths for the main fabric, with US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles used for the ribbed hem. Additional materials include stitch markers (including one locking stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats), stitch holders for managing stitches during V-neck shaping, and a tapestry needle for seaming the sleeves and finishing.

Gauge and Pattern Notes

Achieving proper gauge is essential for the Lacerta sweater to fit correctly. The pattern specifies a gauge of 21 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when worked on the larger needle size and blocked. For the wavy cable pattern sections, the gauge is 26 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches on the larger needle size when blocked. The pattern uses the Old Norwegian Cast-on method, a stretchy cast-on technique recommended for creating flexible edges that accommodate ribbing. The sweater construction begins with the front panel, which is cast on and worked in K2/P1 ribbing before transitioning to the main stockinette and wavy cable sections, making this an engaging intermediate-level project that combines classic knitting techniques with contemporary design.