Valley Yarns Braid Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Braid Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Braid Cardigan is a classic, cozy cardigan featuring striking braid cables on both the back and front. This intermediate-level knitting project is designed by Kirsten Hipsky and is available in six finished sizes ranging from 32" to 52". The cardigan is constructed using a seamed construction method with set-in sleeves for a flattering fit, and is finished with six buttons for closure.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters:

• Cable work: The cardigan features prominent braid cables that form the visual centerpiece of the design. These cables are worked using a cable needle to create the characteristic twisted, braided appearance on the front and back panels.
• Seaming: The cardigan is knit in separate pieces—back, fronts, and sleeves—which are then seamed together using traditional garment construction methods.
• Set-in sleeves: The sleeve cap shaping creates a fitted, tailored look that sits properly at the shoulder.
• Buttonholes: Functional buttonholes are incorporated into the pattern to accommodate the six buttons used for closure.
• Stitch markers: Four stitch markers are used to delineate the cable panels and pattern sections, making it easier to track where pattern repeats occur.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Valley Yarns Braid Cardigan uses a combination of fundamental and specialty stitches:

• Stockinette stitch (St st): Forms the primary fabric on the outer edges and between cable panels, creating a smooth, classic knit surface.
• Reverse stockinette stitch: Used in the ribbed edging sections for texture and structure.
• Cable panel (21-stitch repeat): A specialized 8-row repeat pattern that creates the braid effect. The cable panel includes the following special stitches:
  • FC (Front Cross): Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, knit 3 stitches, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle.
  • BC (Back Cross): Slip 3 stitches to cable needle and hold in back, knit 3 stitches, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle.
  • RT (Right Twist): Slip 2 stitches as if to knit 2 together, slip these stitches back to the left needle in their new crossed order, and knit each stitch through the back.
• Ribbing: A 2x2 rib pattern (knit 2, purl 2) is used for the initial edging, providing elasticity and a finished appearance.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Valley Yarns Braid Cardigan is designed to be worked with specific materials to achieve the intended drape and finished appearance:

• Yarn: Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky in color 38 Stone Blue. This yarn is composed of 85% wool and 15% alpaca, providing warmth, durability, and a soft hand. Each skein contains 100 yards and weighs 100 grams. The pattern requires 8 to 13 skeins depending on the finished size selected (8 skeins for the 32" size through 13 skeins for the 52" size).
• Needles: US size 10.5 (6.5mm) circular needles measuring 24" or longer. Circular needles are used for their versatility in working flat pieces and managing larger stitch counts.
• Additional materials: Four stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, one cable needle for executing cable crosses, and six buttons for fastening the cardigan.
• Gauge: The pattern is worked at a gauge of 12 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, with the cable panel measuring 5 inches wide. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements specified in the pattern.

Pattern Construction Details

The cardigan begins with a ribbed edging worked in a 2x2 knit-purl pattern, which provides structure and elast