Valley Yarns Antares Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Antares Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Antares is an intermediate-level knit sweater designed by Julie Turjoman. This boatneck pullover is a versatile layering piece intended to wear beautifully over a tank top or camisole. The pattern provides two distinct length options to suit different preferences and body types: a cropped waist-length boxy version and a hip-length tunic version with A-line shaping. Both versions feature three-quarter-length sleeves with drop shoulders, making this design appealing to knitters of varying ages and style preferences.

Techniques Used

This sweater employs multiple construction techniques to achieve its final structure and aesthetic. The garment is worked in pieces from the bottom up, then seamed together to add structure and support to the yarn's natural softness. The design utilizes worked flat construction for the body and sleeves, with portions also worked in the round for the three-quarter-length sleeves. The pattern offers flexibility in construction approach, accommodating both bottom-up and top-down knitting preferences. The lace pattern is intentionally worked on larger-than-normal needles to open up and showcase the delicate stitch work.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Antares features an allover Cable Lace stitch pattern as its primary design element. This lace pattern is bordered by reverse stockinette sections, which create visual definition and structure throughout the garment. The reverse stockinette sections also serve a functional purpose in the tunic version, where side decreases are worked within these narrow sections to create the A-line shaping from hip to bust. The combination of cable and lace stitches creates an open, breathable fabric suitable for layering.

Materials and Gauge

The Antares is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Goshen, a premium blend yarn composed of 48% Peruvian Cotton, 46% Modal, and 6% Silk. This fiber composition lends exceptional breathability and drape to the finished garment, making it ideal for a lightweight layering piece. The sample shown features Color 12 - Lake. Yarn requirements vary by size and version: the cropped version requires 8 to 20 skeins (depending on size), while the tunic version requires 10 to 22 skeins, with each skein weighing 50 grams and providing 92 yards.

The pattern calls for US 8 (5.0mm) circular needles in 16-inch and 32-40 inch lengths, plus double-pointed needles, for working the main fabric at the specified gauge. US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles in 16-inch and 24-inch lengths are used for ribbing or edging. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 26 rounds over 4 inches in Cable Lace stitch using the larger needles and blocked fabric. Additional materials include stitch markers (including 4 locking stitch markers), a cable needle, and a tapestry needle for seaming and finishing.

Design Details and Sizing

The Antares is available in eight sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust measurements from 32 inches to 60.5 inches. The pattern is designed to fit with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease for comfortable wear. The cropped version offers hip measurements ranging from 37.5 to 66 inches, accommodating various body shapes. The drop-shoulder construction and boatneck opening provide ease of movement and a flattering silhouette suitable for layering over fitted undergarments.