Valley Yarns Great Basin Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Great Basin Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Great Basin is a gender-neutral baby cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman. This crewneck cardigan features gradient stripes with contrast color hems and front bands, accented with six ½" buttons. The design is sized for infants and toddlers, ranging from 0-6 months through 2-3 years, with finished chest measurements from 20½" to 25¾" depending on size. The cardigan is worked in pieces and seamed together, making it an accessible project for knitters progressing beyond the beginner level.

Techniques Used

The Great Basin employs several intermediate knitting techniques that make it suitable for advanced beginners. The body is worked from the bottom up in one piece to the armholes, then divided into separate sections for the back and fronts. This method provides efficiency and helps maintain consistency in the stripe pattern. Short-row shaping is used at the shoulders to enhance the fit of the finished garment. The sleeves are worked separately and then seamed to the body using a tapestry needle. Front bands are picked up and knitted directly onto the front edges of the cardigan, with buttonholes incorporated into one band. This pick-up technique requires careful attention to stitch placement along the edges. All hems and the neckband are finished with ribbed edging to provide structure and a polished appearance.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Great Basin is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for displaying the gradient stripe pattern. Stockinette stitch is worked in rows when the cardigan is worked flat in pieces. K1/P1 ribbing (knit one, purl one alternating) is used for all hems, the neckband, and the initial sleeve cuffs. This ribbed edging provides elasticity and helps the garment maintain its shape during wear and washing. The striped stockinette pattern is created by changing yarn colors at regular intervals, with the stripes narrowing as they progress up the body for a gradient effect.

Materials and Yarn

The Great Basin is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Montague, a 100% cotton yarn that offers softness and durability—qualities especially important for active babies. The main color (MC) is Charcoal (014), requiring 3 to 4 hanks depending on size, with each hank providing 110 yards. The contrast color (CC) is Blue (006), requiring 2 to 4 hanks. Cotton yarn is an excellent choice for baby garments as it breathes well, resists pilling, and withstands frequent washing. The pattern calls for US size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles measuring 24" for the main knitting, and US size 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles for ribbed sections. The recommended gauge is 19 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needle when blocked. Additional materials include stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches, a tapestry needle for seaming, six ½" buttons, and sewing needle and thread to match the buttons for secure attachment.