Valley Yarns Circinus Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Circinus Cardigan: Seamed Knit Design with V-Neck and Ribbed Textures

What Is Being Made

The Circinus is a classic cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman, created as a versatile layering piece for unpredictable weather and between-season wear. This cardigan features a V-neck silhouette with a single button closure at the base of the neckline, offering a refined and timeless aesthetic that coordinates with any outfit. Available in sizes XS through 4XL, the finished bust measurements range from 35½ inches to 62¼ inches, with the garment designed to fit with 4 to 6 inches of positive ease for comfortable wearing.

Techniques Used

The Circinus cardigan employs a seamed, worked-flat construction method, making it an excellent project for advanced beginners. The body pieces are knitted separately from the hem upward and then carefully seamed together. The design incorporates sophisticated shaping techniques including V-neck shaping decreases that are worked simultaneously with armhole shaping on the front pieces, continuing all the way to the shoulder edge. A-line body shaping is achieved through side decreases, creating a flattering silhouette. The long, full sleeves are worked in the round from drop shoulders, allowing for seamless sleeve construction. Ribbed front bands are integrated directly into the body fronts during knitting, eliminating the need for separate band attachment.

Stitches Used

The Circinus features a sophisticated combination of complementary stitch patterns that create visual interest and textural variety. The primary stitches include:

• Seeded Rib stitch – used for the main body ribbed textures and sleeve cuffs, creating a subtle all-over pattern
• Twisted Rib stitch – incorporated into both the body and sleeves for additional textural dimension
• Stockinette stitch – used as the primary fabric for smooth, classic drape
• Garter stitch – applied as accents throughout the design for subtle texture contrast

These stitch patterns work together harmoniously to create a design that is both visually interesting and wearable for everyday use.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Circinus is designed to be knitted with Valley Yarns Whately, a lofty chainette yarn composed of 60% Baby Alpaca and 40% Organic Pima Cotton. This fiber blend provides softness, breathability, and the perfect weight for between-season layering. Yarn requirements range from 8 balls for size XS to 16 balls for size 4XL, with each ball weighing 50 grams and containing 164 yards. The sample shown is knitted in color 03 Fog.

Needles required include US size 9 (5.5 mm) and US size 8 (5.0 mm) in multiple lengths: 16-inch needles for ribbed sections and smaller circumferences, 24 to 32-inch needles for larger body sections, and double-pointed needles for sleeve cap shaping. Gauge is critical for this project: 18 stitches and 26 rows equal 4 inches on US 8 needles in Seeded Rib stitch when blocked, and 18 stitches and 26 rows equal 4 inches on US 9 needles in both stockinette stitch and twisted rib stitch when blocked.

Additional materials needed include stitch markers (including locking stitch markers for tracking decreases), a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, a ¾-inch button for the closure, and a sewing needle with thread matching the yarn or button color for secure button attachment.

Skill Level and Construction Notes

Rated as an Adventurous Beginner project, the Circinus cardigan is appropriate for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle more complex shaping and multi-stitch pattern work. The combination of seamed construction, simultaneous shaping on multiple edges, and varied stitch patterns provides an excellent learning opportunity for developing advanced knitting techniques while creating a wearable, professional-looking garment.