Valley Yarns Prose Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Prose Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Prose Cardigan is a bottom-up knit cardigan designed by Kirsten Hipsky, featuring a distinctive roomy shawl collar and optional side-seam pockets. This intermediate-level garment is constructed in a cozy, oversized silhouette and is available in six finished sizes ranging from 36" to 56" to accommodate various body measurements and styling preferences.

Knitting Techniques

The Prose Cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its structured yet comfortable fit:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is knit from the bottom edge upward, beginning with cast-on stitches at the hem and progressing toward the neckline. This method allows for easy length adjustments and straightforward finishing.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knit flat on circular needles rather than in the round, creating separate front and back panels that are later seamed together.
• Seamed construction: Individual pieces (back, left front, right front, and sleeves) are knit separately and then joined using seaming techniques, creating clean, professional edges.
• Armhole shaping: Structured armhole shaping is achieved by binding off stitches at the beginning of rows to create a tailored fit at the underarms.
• V-neck shaping: The front pieces feature gradual V-neck shaping accomplished through decreasing one stitch at the beginning of right-side rows, creating a flattering neckline that transitions into the shawl collar.
• Optional pocket integration: Pockets are tucked into the side seams for a seamless, functional design element.

Stitches Used

The Prose Cardigan is worked primarily in Stockinette Stitch (St st), the foundational stitch that creates the smooth, classic fabric characteristic of this design. The pattern begins with Garter Stitch (knit 3 rows) at the cast-on edge to create a stable, textured hem. The shawl collar and other finishing details utilize these fundamental stitches to achieve both visual interest and structural integrity.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn Requirements: The Prose Cardigan is designed to be knit in Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Bulky, a luxurious yarn composed of 100% Extrafine Merino Superwash fibers. The main cardigan body requires 8 to 13 skeins (depending on size) of Valley Superwash Bulky, each skein weighing 100g and yielding 109 yards. For the optional pockets, an additional 2 skeins of Valley Yarns Valley Superwash (a lighter-weight companion yarn in 50g/97yd skeins) are needed. The cardigan shown in the pattern is knit in Burgundy for the main body, with optional pockets in Crimson.

Needle Requirements: The pattern calls for US size 10.5 (6.50mm) circular needles measuring 40" in length for the main cardigan body, or a size as needed to achieve proper gauge. For the optional pockets, US size 7 (4.50mm) needles are used with the lighter-weight yarn.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this intermediate project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 3 stitches and 4 rows per 1 inch when working Stockinette Stitch with the larger yarn and needles. For the optional pockets worked with the smaller yarn and needles, the gauge is 5 stitches and 7 rows per 1 inch. The cardigan is available in six sizes with finished chest measurements of 36", 40", 44", 48", 52", and 56", allowing knitters to select the appropriate size based on desired fit and ease.