Valley Yarns Fisherman's Rib Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Fisherman's Rib Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Fisherman's Rib Cardigan is a classic button-front cardigan designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated texture created by the fisherman's rib stitch throughout the body. The cardigan is available in five finished sizes ranging from 36" to 52" in circumference, making it suitable for a variety of body types. The design includes functional details such as set-in raglan sleeves, neck shaping for a refined neckline, and integrated inner pocket flaps for added practicality.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, and worked-flat approach. The garment pieces are knitted individually in flat rows rather than in the round, then seamed together during finishing. The construction begins with the right and left front panels, which are worked from the cast-on edge upward. Pocket flaps are created separately and then attached to the fronts during the body construction. Raglan shaping is incorporated at the armholes using strategic decreases worked over multiple rows to create the sloped shoulder line characteristic of raglan sleeves. Neck shaping is achieved through decreases worked at regular intervals to create a contoured neckline opening.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout this cardigan is fisherman's rib, a textured stitch that creates a thick, dimensional fabric with excellent elasticity and insulation properties. Fisherman's rib is worked using a combination of knit and purl stitches, with the distinctive technique of knitting into the row below (abbreviated as k1bw) to create the characteristic bumpy texture. The pattern also incorporates stockinette stitch for the inner pocket flaps, providing a smooth contrast to the textured body. Additional stitches include ribbing (alternating knit and purl stitches) for the cast-on edge, which provides stretch and a finished appearance. Standard decreases such as k2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) are used for shaping the neck and raglan armholes.

Materials and Tools

This project calls for Valley Yarns Amherst, a 100% merino wool yarn in the colorway Soft Brown. The yardage requirement is 11 skeins of Valley Yarns Amherst (109 yards per 50-gram skein). Knitting needles required are US size 8 (5.0mm) in a 40" circular needle, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional materials include 5 stitch holders for managing stitches during construction and buttons for the front closure. The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches when working fisherman's rib with the larger needles, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished garment.