Valley Yarns Aquila Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Aquila V-Neck Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Aquila is a sophisticated V-neck cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman, featuring an elegant A-line silhouette with subtle color blocking. This garment showcases clean lines and minimalist construction, making it an ideal layering piece for transitional weather. The cardigan is designed to be worn with 2–4 inches of positive ease and is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with finished bust measurements from 34¼ inches to 66¼ inches.

Design Features

• V-neck front with integrated front bands that minimize finishing work
• Single button closure at the center front
• A-line shaping created through strategic color blocking and stitch pattern changes
• Set-in pockets worked into the lower body
• Drop-shoulder construction for relaxed, comfortable fit
• Long sleeves with ribbed cuffs

Techniques Used

The Aquila employs bottom-up construction, meaning the cardigan is worked from the hem upward. The garment is worked flat back and forth in rows rather than in the round, and pieces are later seamed together for a finished appearance. The body is knitted in one piece from the hem to the armhole, which reduces the number of seams and simplifies assembly. The V-neck shaping begins simultaneously with armhole shaping and continues through the shoulder, creating a balanced and flattering neckline. Sleeves are worked downward from the drop shoulders, a technique that allows for easy customization of sleeve length and creates a smooth cap.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Aquila combines two primary stitch patterns to create visual interest and structure:

• Stockinette stitch forms the main fabric of the upper body and sleeves, creating a smooth, refined surface ideal for showcasing the yarn's texture
• Garter stitch is used in the lower body and worked in the contrast color, providing a textured, reversible fabric that adds visual dimension and helps define the A-line shape
• Ribbing is worked on the cuffs and integrated front bands using smaller needles, creating elastic edges that hold their shape

Materials and Yarn

The Aquila is designed to be knitted with Valley Yarns Whately, a luxurious blend of 60% superfine alpaca and 40% cotton. This fiber combination creates a yarn that is exceptionally soft against the skin while maintaining structure and durability. The alpaca contributes warmth and a subtle surface haze, while the cotton adds breathability and prevents excessive pilling. Whately is available in multiple colorways; the pattern sample is shown in Stone (Color A) paired with Fawn (Color B) for the color-blocked design.

Yarn yardage requirements vary by size. The XS requires 5 balls of Color A (Stone) and 3 balls of Color B (Fawn), while the largest size (5XL) requires 11 balls of Color A and 6 balls of Color B. Each ball contains 100 grams and 164 yards of yarn.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for US size 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles in 16-inch and 24–32-inch lengths, as well as double-pointed needles for working small circumferences. These larger needles are used for the main body and sleeves worked in stockinette stitch. US size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles and double-pointed needles are required for ribbed cuffs and pockets, creating the necessary tension for elastic edges.

Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, one 1-inch diameter button for the closure, and a sewing needle with thread matching the yarn color for attaching the button securely.

Gauge and Skill Level

The pattern is rated as Adventurous Beginner, indicating it is suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle more complex shaping and construction methods. The gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US size 9 needles, blocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the