Valley Yarns Mammoth Cave Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Mammoth Cave Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Mammoth Cave is a fitted cable cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman, featuring elbow-length sleeves and a cropped body that hits at the waist. This versatile piece functions as a capsule wardrobe essential, suitable for layering over dresses or wearing with casual tee shirts and jeans. The cardigan showcases prominent cabled front panels and is secured with button closures, making it both a practical and stylish layering option for moderate weather coverage.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several intermediate knitting techniques that build on foundational skills. The garment is worked flat in separate pieces rather than in the round, allowing for easier stitch manipulation and shaping. All pieces are subsequently seamed together using a tapestry needle, which creates clean, professional-looking joins. The construction method includes set-in sleeves that are worked separately and then attached to the body, providing a tailored fit through the shoulder and armhole area. The front closure utilizes button bands with ribbed detailing, and cable techniques are incorporated as decorative and structural elements along the front panels.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Mammoth Cave is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. The defining design feature involves cable panels worked along each front edge: a 24-stitch cable panel measuring 4 inches wide is used for sizes XS through L, while a larger 28-stitch cable panel measuring 4½ inches wide is used for sizes XL through 4XL. These cables add textural interest and visual depth to the fronts. Ribbed stitching is used for the button bands at the front edges and the neckband, providing elasticity and a finished appearance. The pattern also employs the Long-Tail cast-on method to begin the back piece, a technique that creates a professional, flexible edge suitable for seaming.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Mammoth Cave is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Westhampton, a luxurious 100% Pima cotton yarn that offers exceptional softness and breathability. Yardage requirements vary by size: 6 balls (654 yards) for XS, 7 balls (763 yards) for S, 9 balls (981 yards) for M, 10 balls (1,090 yards) for L, 11 balls (1,199 yards) for XL, 13 balls (1,417 yards) for 2XL, 14 balls (1,526 yards) for 3XL, and 15 balls (1,635 yards) for 4XL. The sample shown was knitted in the colorway Rose Glow.

The pattern requires two sets of needles in different sizes to achieve proper gauge and fabric characteristics. US 6 (4.00mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32–40-inch lengths, along with double-pointed needles, are used for the main fabric where the gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch when blocked. US 5 (3.75mm) circular needles in matching lengths and double-pointed needles are used for ribbed sections, including the cuffs, waistband, and button bands, which require a tighter gauge for proper elasticity and definition.

Additional Materials and Notions

• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping increases/decreases
• Tapestry needle for seaming pieces together and weaving in yarn ends
• Nine buttons ranging from ½ inch to 1 inch in diameter depending on size (½ inch for XS, S, M, and L; 1 inch for XL, 2XL, 3XL, and 4XL)
• Sewing needle and thread matched to the yarn color for secure button attachment

Sizing and Fit

The Mammoth Cave is available in eight sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust measurements from 31¼ inches to 59¼ inches when buttoned. The pattern is designed to be worn with 0 to 2 inches of positive ease, meaning the finished garment will be slightly larger than your actual bust measurement for comfortable movement and a relaxed fit. The cropped length naturally hits at the waist, though the pattern notes that additional length can be added if desired, requiring extra yarn.