Valley Yarns Clara Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Clara Cardigan

Overview

The Valley Yarns Clara Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed to fit bust measurements of 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40 inches. This seamed, flat-worked garment features elegant lace detailing and is available in five size options to accommodate a range of body types. The cardigan is fastened with a shawl pin or similar closure, offering a sophisticated and adjustable front opening.

What Is Being Made

The Clara Cardigan is a classic button-free cardigan sweater constructed from three main pieces: two front panels and one back panel, plus two sleeves. The garment showcases a lace pattern throughout the upper body, transitioning to stockinette stitch for a clean, wearable design. The cardigan features armhole shaping and tapered sleeves for a fitted silhouette.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques suited to intermediate crafters:

• Lace knitting: The Razor Lace pattern is worked three times on the front and back pieces, creating an openwork design that adds visual interest and texture
• Seaming: The cardigan is constructed using the seamed method, with pieces worked separately and joined together using mattress stitch for a professional finish
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making this an accessible project for knitters comfortable with traditional flat construction
• Armhole shaping: Strategic bind-offs and decreases create fitted armholes that accommodate sleeve caps
• Sleeve cap shaping: The sleeves feature multiple decreases to create a tapered cap that sets smoothly into the armhole
• Crochet finishing: A crochet hook is used to finish the neck edge with chain and single crochet stitches for a polished neckline

Stitches Used

The Clara Cardigan utilizes fundamental and decorative stitches to create its structure and visual appeal:

• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch used for the body of the cardigan, providing a smooth, classic fabric
• Razor Lace pattern: A repeating lace motif worked over multiple rows, featuring yarn overs (yo), knit stitches (K), slip stitches (sl1), and centered double decreases (k2tog, psso) to create an openwork design
• Garter stitch: A single knit row at the beginning of each piece creates a foundation edge
• Single crochet: Used in the finishing stage to secure and neaten the neck edge

Materials and Yarn

The Clara Cardigan can be made using two yarn options from Valley Yarns, allowing crafters to choose based on fiber preference and desired yardage:

• Valley Yarns Deerfield: Requires 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 skeins depending on size
• Valley Yarns Goshen: Requires 10, 11, 12, 14, or 15 skeins depending on size

Tools and Notions

The following tools are required to complete this project:

• Size 6 needles: Straight needles in this size are used for the main knitting, or size as needed to obtain proper gauge
• Size E crochet hook: Used for finishing the neckline
• Shawl pin or similar closure: Serves as the fastening mechanism for the cardigan front

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, as the cardigan is sized to specific bust measurements. Knitters should swatch and adjust needle size as needed before beginning the project.

Construction Details

The back panel is cast on with 73, 81, 89, 97, or 105 stitches depending on size. After an initial knit row, the Razor Lace pattern is worked three times to establish the decorative upper section. The back continues in stockinette stitch until it reaches