Valley Yarns Embla Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Embla Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Embla Cardigan is a classic V-neck cardigan designed by Kirsten Hipsky, worked in pieces from the bottom up and seamed together. This intermediate-level knitting project features flattering waist shaping and is available in seven sizes ranging from 30-32" to 54-56" bust measurements, with finished chest measurements from 36" to 60". The cardigan is fastened with six ¾" buttons and combines rich cable work with textured stitch patterns for a sophisticated, timeless garment.

Techniques Used

The Embla Cardigan employs several key knitting techniques that define its construction and visual appeal:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is knitted from the hem upward, allowing for easy adjustments and a traditional building method
• Worked flat: All pieces are worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, creating seamed edges that are finished together
• Cables: The signature Embla Panel features rich cable patterns that create visual interest and texture down the front and back of the garment
• Waist shaping: Strategic decreases are worked every 12th row of the Embla panel (repeated 4 times) followed by increases (repeated 4 times) to create flattering shaping at the waist
• Seamed construction: Pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together, a classic method that provides structure and durability
• Set-in sleeves: The cardigan features set-in sleeves that provide a refined, tailored fit

Stitches Used

The Embla Cardigan incorporates a variety of stitches to create texture, pattern, and visual depth:

• Stockinette stitch: The primary background stitch used throughout the cardigan body, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Embla Panel: A 29-stitch panel featuring cable and eyelet patterns that serves as the focal point, measuring approximately 4.5" wide when worked to gauge
• Moss stitch: An even-stitch textured pattern worked between the two Embla panels on the back and front pieces, created by alternating knit and purl stitches (knit the knits and purl the purls on right-side rows)
• Ribbing: A knit-one-purl-one rib pattern worked at the cast-on edge for 1", providing elasticity and a finished edge
• Decrease stitches: Slip-slip-knit (ssk) and knit-two-together (k2tog) decreases are used symmetrically for waist shaping

Materials and Specifications

The Embla Cardigan is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Northampton, a 100% wool yarn available in 100g skeins with 247 yards per skein. Yardage requirements range from 5 skeins (approximately 1,235 yards) for the smallest size (30-32" bust) to 11 skeins (approximately 2,717 yards) for the largest size (54-56" bust). The pattern shown is worked in the Brown Heather colorway.

Needles: US size 7 (4.50mm) 32" circular needles are required, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and cable panel placement, a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, and six ¾" buttons for the cardigan closure.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 5 stitches and 7 rows per 1" in Stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the cardigan to fit correctly across the bust and for the Embla Panel to measure its intended 4.5" width. The pattern accommodates seven different sizes with proportional increases in stitch counts and yardage, ensuring a well-fitting garment across a wide range of body measurements.