Valley Yarns Gardenia Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Gardenia Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Gardenia is a long-sleeved, open-front cardigan designed for warm weather wear. This intermediate-level knitting project features a graceful silhouette with plenty of drape, making it versatile for layering and everyday styling. The cardigan is available in sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with finished bust measurements from 34 inches to 66 inches, designed to fit with 4 to 6 inches of positive ease when the ribbing is stretched.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Gardenia cardigan is constructed using a combination of knitting techniques that provide both structure and comfort. The garment is worked flat in pieces and then seamed together, which allows for precise shaping and a polished finish. The design employs both bottom-up and top-down construction methods: the body and front bands are worked from the cast-on edge upward, while the long sleeves are worked downward from the armholes. This strategic combination of techniques ensures that the ribbing and cable patterns align beautifully throughout the garment.

The front bands are integrated into the front pieces during construction, with stitches carried up and continued around the back neckline for the neckband. This seamless transition creates a cohesive, professionally finished look. The deep hem ribbing on both the body and sleeves continues into the body ribbing, interspersed with subtle cable motifs that add visual interest without overwhelming the design.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Gardenia is the Cable Rib pattern, which repeats over 20 rows. This pattern strategically combines ribbing with subtle cables to create texture and visual depth across the surface of the cardigan. The ribbing helps the garment maintain its shape while the cables add an elegant, refined detail.

• Cable Rib Pattern: The main pattern used on the back, fronts, and lower portions of the sleeves, worked over a 20-row repeat
• K2/P2 Rib Pattern: Used for the long sleeves, which are worked downward from the armholes in this classic rib, allowing for a loose fit suitable for layering
• Ribbing: Deep hem ribbing on the body and sleeves provides structure and helps define the garment's edges

The ribbing is strategically placed to pull in slightly at the hem and cuffs, creating definition, though the pattern notes that selecting a larger size will provide a looser fit if preferred. The cable needle is used to create the cable twists that punctuate the ribbed fabric.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Gardenia is designed to be knitted with Valley Yarns Granville, a premium blend of 90% Pima Cotton and 10% Merino Wool. This fiber composition creates a breathable, comfortable fabric ideal for warm weather wear. The yarn is available in the colorway shown as Raspberry Sorbet (Color 14). Each hank of Granville contains 50 grams and yields 167 yards, with yardage requirements ranging from 5 hanks for the smallest size (XS) to 13 hanks for the largest size (5XL).

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 24- to 32-inch lengths, along with double-pointed needles (dpn) of the same size, or whatever size is needed to achieve the correct gauge. Additional tools required include stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, a cable needle for working the cable stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming the pieces together and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in the Cable Rib pattern, after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, as the cardigan is designed with specific ease measurements. The garment fits with 4 to 6 inches of positive ease when the ribbing is stretched, allowing for comfortable movement and layering. The pattern notes that because ribbing naturally pulls in, selecting a size one size larger than usual will result in a looser, more relaxed fit if desired.

Design Details

The Gardenia cardigan features a sophisticated design that balances structure with drape. The open front allows for easy layering and styling versatility, while the long sleeves are