Valley Yarns Josephine Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Josephine Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Josephine Cardigan is a seamed cardigan sweater designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in five finished sizes ranging from 36" to 52" in circumference, making it suitable for various body measurements. The cardigan features a structured construction with distinct front, back, and sleeve components that are knitted separately and then assembled.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques that define its construction and visual appeal:

• Cable knitting: A prominent cable pattern is featured in the center back of the garment, worked from a cable chart that repeats over 24 rows. This decorative element adds texture and visual interest to the back panel.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier pattern management and seaming.
• Seamed construction: The cardigan is assembled by sewing sleeve and side seams together after all pieces are completed, creating a traditional tailored fit.
• Increases and shaping: Strategic increases are worked at the beginning of right-side rows to shape the front panels, with one stitch increased per row until the desired stitch count is reached.
• Ribbed edgings: The cuffs and lower edges feature k2, p2 ribbing, which provides elasticity and a finished appearance.

Stitches Used

The Josephine Cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with cable work:

• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch used for the main body of the cardigan, worked outside the cable markers on the front and back panels.
• Cable stitches: Specialized stitches worked according to the cable chart pattern in the center back, creating the signature textured design.
• Ribbing stitches: Alternating knit 1 and purl 1 (k1, p1) stitches form the elastic ribbed edges at the cuffs and lower band.
• Make one increase (m1): Used to add stitches at the beginning of right-side rows for shaping, created by knitting into the back of the thread running between needles.

Materials and Tools

The Josephine Cardigan is worked in Valley Yarns Northampton Bulky, a 100% wool yarn in the color Raspberry Heather. The project requires 6 to 10 skeins depending on the finished size, with each skein containing 109 yards and weighing 100 grams. Knitting needles required are US size 10.5 (6.50 mm) circular needles in either 40" or 60" length, selected based on the crafter's preferred needle size to achieve the specified gauge of 3 stitches and 4 rows per 1 inch in stockinette stitch.