Valley Yarns Sojourner Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Sojourner Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Sojourner Cardigan is a button-front cardigan sweater designed by Dena Childs. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in six finished sizes ranging from 33.5 inches to 51 inches, accommodating a wide range of body measurements. The cardigan features a classic construction with a structured fit and is fastened with three ¾-inch buttons.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Sojourner Cardigan is worked flat on circular needles using a bottom-up construction method, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The garment pieces are then seamed together to create the finished cardigan. This approach allows for easier stitch management and the ability to try on the piece as it progresses.

The design incorporates multiple advanced cable techniques that create visual interest throughout the fabric. These cable stitches are strategically placed to form decorative motifs across the body of the cardigan, giving it a sophisticated, textured appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Sojourner Cardigan employs a variety of knitting stitches and techniques to achieve its distinctive look:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric base
• Cable Stitches: Multiple cable techniques including back crosses (BC) and front crosses (FC), worked over two stitches held on a cable needle, creating twisted rope-like textures
• Left Cross and Right Cross: Specialized cable variations that slant in different directions to create directional design elements
• Bobbles: Decorative three-dimensional embellishments created by knitting multiple times into a single stitch, then decreasing back down, adding textural contrast
• Central Double Increase (CDI): An increase technique that creates a centered, decorative addition to the stitch count
• Make One (M1): A standard increase method used to shape the garment
• Five-Stitch Decrease: A complex decrease technique that reduces multiple stitches in a controlled manner, used for shaping and stitch count management

The pattern is organized using a repeating chart system (Chart A) that guides the placement of cables and bobbles across the width of the garment. The chart uses a multiple of 10 stitches plus 17 additional stitches, which increases to 14 stitches plus 17 as the pattern progresses, allowing the design to expand and contract strategically.

Materials and Tools Required

The Sojourner Cardigan is knitted using Valley Yarns Superwash DK, a yarn composed of 100% Extrafine Superwash Merino wool. This fiber choice provides softness, breathability, and easy care, as the superwash treatment allows the finished garment to be machine washed. The yarn is worked at a yardage of 137 yards per 50-gram skein.

Yarn quantities vary by size: the smallest size (33.5 inches) requires 9 skeins, while the largest size (51 inches) requires 15 skeins. The specific colorway used in this pattern is color 15 Blue Mist, a soft blue tone suitable for a versatile cardigan.

Needles and notions include US size 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches in length, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Circular needles are used for working flat, with the cable method allowing the knitter to work back and forth across the rows. Two cable needles are essential for managing the cable stitches throughout the project. The cardigan is completed with three ¾-inch buttons for closure.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 6 stitches and 8 rows per 1 inch when worked in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is critical for obtaining the intended finished measurements and ensuring proper fit. The six available sizes provide options for different body measurements and fit preferences.