Valley Yarns Neves Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Neves Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Neves Cardigan is a luxurious wrap-style cardigan designed by Kirsten Hipsky, available in five finished sizes: 36, 44, 52, 60, and 68 inches. Designed to be worn with 4 inches of ease, this garment features a soft, gleaming aesthetic reminiscent of a shawl with sleeves. The cardigan showcases a richly textured and fully reversible stitch pattern that creates visual interest and dimension throughout the piece.

Construction Technique

The Neves Cardigan employs a seamed construction method, with the sweater body worked in one continuous piece from the bottom of the back, up and over the shoulders, and down the fronts. This seamless-body approach creates a cohesive garment before seaming. The sleeves are picked up from the armholes and worked in the round from the top down, though they can alternatively be worked flat if preferred. Side seams are sewn to create the garment's structure, with center armhole openings measuring 13 to 17 inches depending on size.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing: K1, p1 (knit 1, purl 1) ribbing is used for the lower edge and cuffs, worked for 0.5 inches at the cast-on and bind-off edges to create elastic, finished edges
• Stitch Pattern: A fully reversible textured stitch pattern is worked across the main body, with the first and last stitches of each row worked in garter stitch for selvage edges
• Stockinette Stitch: Used in the round for sleeve gauge reference (6 stitches and 8 rows equal 1 inch)

Yarn and Needles

The Neves Cardigan is designed for Valley Yarns Charlemont, a premium blend consisting of 60% Fine Superwash Merino, 20% Mulberry Silk, and 20% Polyamide. Each skein contains 100 grams and 439 yards. Yardage requirements range from 3 skeins for the smallest size (36 inches) to 7 skeins for the largest size (68 inches).

The pattern calls for US size 4 (3.50mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches in length, along with double-pointed needles or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. The specific needle size ensures the fabric develops the correct density and drape characteristic of this design.

Gauge and Finishing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this advanced beginner project. The pattern stitch requires approximately 6 stitches and 11 rows to equal 1 inch after steam blocking, while stockinette stitch in the round should measure 6 stitches and 8 rows per inch. Steam blocking is recommended to set the stitches and achieve the finished dimensions specified in the pattern.

Difficulty Level

The Neves Cardigan is classified as an advanced beginner project, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle more complex construction methods. The one-piece body construction, V-neck shaping with multiple yarn management, and pick-up sleeve technique require intermediate-level skills and attention to pattern detail.