Valley Yarns Witch Hazel Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Witch Hazel Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Witch Hazel is an intermediate-level cardigan designed by Susan Baron, featuring a modern construction with textured stitch sampling throughout. This garment showcases drop shoulders and is constructed in nine sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust measurements from 33¾ inches to 66½ inches. The cardigan is designed to be worn with 4 to 6 inches of positive ease for comfortable, relaxed styling. Nine ⅝-inch buttons provide the front closure, making this a classic button-front cardigan suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Techniques Used

The Witch Hazel is worked using seamless knitting techniques, though the construction is worked flat rather than in the round. The cardigan begins at the hem and is worked upward in one piece to the armholes, at which point it is divided for the fronts and back. Drop shoulders are shaped using short rows to enhance the overall fit of the garment. Sleeves are picked up around the armhole opening and worked downward to the cuff. Ribbed button bands and a neckband are worked from stitches picked up along the front edges and around the neckline, creating a finished, professional appearance.

Stitches Used

• K2/P2 Ribbing: Used for the initial 2-inch hem cuff and for the ribbed cuffs at the sleeve edges, as well as for the button bands and neckband
• Diamond Pattern: An 8-stitch repeat pattern worked over 26 rows, creating textured visual interest in the lower body
• Double Seed Stitch: The primary textured stitch pattern used throughout the body and sleeves, providing excellent stitch definition and contributing to the sampler aesthetic

Materials and Yarn

Valley Yarns Witch Hazel is knitted with Valley Yarns Northfield, a premium blend consisting of 70% Merino Wool, 20% Baby Alpaca, and 10% Silk. This fiber combination provides exceptional stitch definition while delivering comfort and wearability. The yarn is available in the colorway Sand (Color 30). Yardage requirements range from 1,240 yards for the smallest size (10 balls) to 2,480 yards for the largest size (20 balls), with each ball containing 124 yards at 50 grams.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern requires US size 6 (4.00mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32–40-inch lengths, as well as double-pointed needles, for the main fabric. US size 5 (3.75mm) circular needles in the same lengths and double-pointed needles are used for ribbed sections. The gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when working the Double Seed Stitch pattern with the larger needles on blocked fabric. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

Additional Materials

Beyond yarn and needles, the Witch Hazel requires stitch markers including locking stitch markers for pattern work, stitch holders or waste yarn for managing stitches, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, nine ⅝-inch buttons for the front closure, and a sewing needle with thread matching the yarn color for attaching buttons securely.