Valley Yarns Dunwich Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Dunwich Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Dunwich Cardigan is an advanced-beginner knitted cardigan designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This garment is constructed as a button-front cardigan with five finished size options, ranging from smaller to larger proportions. The cardigan features a structured silhouette with set-in sleeves, shaped armholes, and tailored shoulder and neck shaping for a refined fit.

Construction Technique

This cardigan is worked using a bottom-up, seamed construction method, meaning pieces are knitted individually from the lower edge upward and then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easy shaping and pattern work across front and back panels. The bottom-up approach enables knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length as needed before committing to sleeve and shoulder shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Dunwich Cardigan is a repeating 10-stitch multiple pattern that creates textural interest. The pattern sequence is: Row 1 (right side): K1, *k2, [p1, k1] 4 times; repeat from * to last stitch, k1. This combination of knit and purl stitches generates a subtle, sophisticated texture that adds visual depth while remaining accessible to advanced-beginner knitters. The pattern is maintained consistently across the back, fronts, and sleeves, creating a cohesive, unified design.

Shaping Details

The cardigan incorporates multiple shaping techniques to achieve its tailored fit:

• Armhole shaping: Achieved by binding off stitches at the beginning of rows, then decreasing one stitch at armhole edges every right-side row to create a smooth, curved armhole opening
• Neck shaping: The front neckline is shaped by binding off a larger group of stitches, then decreasing one stitch at the neck edge every right-side row five times, creating a gentle curved neckline
• Shoulder shaping: Accomplished through stepped bind-offs at the beginning of right-side rows, allowing for a structured shoulder line that sits properly on the body
• Sleeve shaping: Sleeves are increased at the beginning and end of alternating rows at varying intervals (every 6th, 8th, or 10th row depending on size) to create a gradual cap that fits smoothly into the armhole

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Dunwich Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Valley Yarns Stockbridge, a premium blend yarn composed of 50% Superfine Alpaca and 50% Wool. This fiber combination provides softness and breathability from the alpaca while adding durability and elasticity from the wool. The yarn is worked at a yardage of 109 yards per 50-gram skein. The pattern calls for 10 to 16 skeins depending on the finished size selected, with the sample shown in the color Olive.

Needles and Gauge

Knitters will need US size 5 and US size 7 needles to work this cardigan. The size 5 needles are used for ribbed edgings or initial cast-on, while the size 7 needles are used for the main body and pattern work. The gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when worked with the larger needles in the pattern stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit.

Finished Dimensions

The Dunwich Cardigan is offered in five finished sizes with varying width and length measurements. The back pieces range from 72 to 112 stitches at the widest point, and the cardigan body is worked to approximately 33 to 47.5 inches in length before sleeve attachment. Armhole depth ranges from 7 to 9 inches, and sleeves measure approximately 17 to 21 inches in length, accommodating different body proportions and personal length preferences.