Valley Yarns Illi Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Illi Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Illi Cardigan is a long cardigan jacket designed by Kirsten Hipsky, featuring a cozy, roomy fit ideal for layering during crisp fall weather. This garment includes functional design elements such as easy-access pockets and a collar, making it both practical and comfortable for everyday wear. Available in six finished sizes ranging from 36 inches to 60 inches, the cardigan is designed to provide generous room for movement and comfortable layering.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using seamed and worked flat knitting techniques, meaning the pieces are knitted separately on straight needles and then sewn together. The pattern involves shaping through strategic bind-offs and decreases to create fitted armholes and shoulders. Increasing stitches at the beginning and end of rows shapes the sleeves for a gradual, comfortable fit. The construction method allows for precise sizing and professional finishing throughout the garment.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is Garter Rib, which is worked over a multiple of 4 stitches. The Garter Rib pattern alternates between knit and purl stitches in a structured repeat:

• Row 1 (Wrong Side): Knit 1, purl 2, knit 1, repeated across
• Row 2 (Right Side): Knit all stitches

This textured stitch pattern creates visual interest and subtle ribbing throughout the body and sleeves. Additional fundamental stitches include knit and purl stitches, which form the foundation of the Garter Rib pattern. The pattern also incorporates cast-on and bind-off techniques for finishing edges, as well as increases and decreases for shaping the armholes, shoulders, and sleeves.

Materials

The Illi Cardigan is knitted with Valley Yarns Berkshire, a premium blend of 85% wool and 15% alpaca. Each skein contains 100 grams and yields 141 yards of yardage. The yarn quantity required depends on the finished size: sizes 36 to 48 inches require 11 to 14 skeins, while larger sizes 52 to 60 inches require 16 to 20 skeins. The cardigan is worked on US size 9 (5.50mm) needles, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches when worked in Garter Rib, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished garment.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced beginner, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle garment construction. The straightforward Garter Rib stitch is easy to work and forgiving, while the seamed construction and shaping techniques provide valuable experience in creating a professional-looking finished piece.