Valley Yarns Salon Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Salon Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Salon Cardigan is an open, short-sleeved cardigan designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This garment features a sophisticated silhouette with finished sizes ranging from 32 inches to 56 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The cardigan is characterized by its understated elegance and open front design, making it an ideal layering piece for transitional seasons.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is worked flat on circular needles, meaning the pieces are knitted in flat rows rather than in the round. The construction method involves seaming, where individual sections are knitted separately and then sewn together to create the finished garment. The pattern uses a three-section approach for the upper body, with separate skeins of yarn worked simultaneously for the right front, back, and left front sections. This technique allows for precise shaping at the shoulders and armholes through strategic bind-offs.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is ribbing, specifically a combination of simple ribbing variations that create visual interest while maintaining the garment's elegant aesthetic. The lower body features a p1, k1 ribbing pattern (purl one, knit one), which is worked for 1 inch at the cast-on edge. The upper body incorporates more complex ribbing combinations, including p3, k1 ribbing (purl three, knit one) as the primary gauge stitch, along with variations such as k2, p1, k1 and p1, k1, p2 sequences. These ribbing patterns provide vertical texture and subtle visual definition throughout the cardigan.

Materials

The Salon Cardigan is knitted in Valley Yarns Pocumtuck, a luxurious 100% cashmere yarn. The yardage requirement is 165 yards per 50-gram skein. Yarn quantities range from 6 skeins for the smallest size (32 inches) to 12 skeins for the largest size (56 inches), with proportional increases for intermediate sizes. The pattern specifies color 21 Lavender Mist, though the yarn is available in other colorways.

Needles required are US size 5 (3.75mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches in length, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. The 40-inch length accommodates the flat knitting technique and allows for holding multiple sections of stitches simultaneously during construction.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 6 stitches and 8 rows equal 1 inch in p3, k1 ribbing. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions. The armhole depth ranges from 7.5 inches for the smallest size to 10.5 inches for the largest size. The lower body is worked to a length of 14 inches or to the desired length preference before binding off.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner level, making it accessible to knitters new to garment construction. While the pattern involves multiple sections and seaming, the straightforward ribbing stitches and clear shaping instructions make it an excellent introduction to cardigan knitting. Beginners will gain valuable experience in working flat, managing multiple yarn skeins, and executing shoulder shaping through bind-offs.