Valley Yarns Feldspar Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Feldspar Wrap-Front Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Feldspar is a modern wrap-front cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman, offering a contemporary interpretation of the classic Chanel jacket silhouette. This garment features a clean-lined shape with reduced bulk compared to traditional Chanel-style jackets, making it an elegant layering piece suitable for various occasions. The cardigan is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust measurements from 34½" to 63", and is designed to fit with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease for comfortable wearing.

Construction and Techniques

The Feldspar is worked flat in separate pieces and then seamed together, a traditional construction method that allows for precise shaping and finishing. The cardigan features modified drop shoulders that create a relaxed, contemporary silhouette while maintaining structure. A crew neck provides a classic neckline option, and long sleeves extend the elegant lines of the design. The wrap-front closure is secured with six pairs of large snaps, offering a functional and refined fastening system that maintains the jacket-like aesthetic.

Stitch Pattern and Texture

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Feldspar is the Wave Rib, a knit and purl textured allover stitch pattern that creates visual interest and subtle dimensionality across the entire garment. This textured stitch pattern is more sophisticated than simple stockinette stitch while remaining accessible to knitters with beginner-level skills. The construction begins with a stockinette stitch cuff worked over six rows, followed by a turning ridge, before transitioning to the main Wave Rib pattern. This combination of stitch techniques adds depth and prevents the edges from rolling while showcasing the textured design.

Yarn and Materials

The Feldspar is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Haydenville DK, a practical blend of 60% Superwash Merino Wool and 40% Acrylic Microfiber. This yarn composition offers the softness and breathability of merino wool combined with the durability and easy-care properties of acrylic microfiber, making the finished cardigan both comfortable and low-maintenance. Each skein contains 136 yards and weighs 50 grams. The yardage requirement ranges from 1,360 yards (10 skeins) for the smallest size to 2,176 yards (16 skeins) for the largest size. The sample shown was knitted in the Sand colorway.

Needles and Gauge

Construction requires US 5 (3.75mm) circular needles in 16", 32", and 40" lengths, plus double-pointed needles, for the main fabric. US 4 (3.50mm) circular needles in the same length options and double-pointed needles are used for the initial stockinette cuff and ribbed edgings. The pattern is worked to a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in the Wave Rib stitch pattern, blocked, using US 5 (3.75mm) needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the cardigan drapes as intended.

Difficulty Level

The Feldspar is classified as a beginner-level knitting project, making it accessible to knitters who have mastered basic knit and purl stitches and are comfortable working with circular needles. While the garment features elegant shaping and professional finishing, the straightforward construction method of working flat pieces and seaming, combined with the relatively simple stitch pattern, allows newer knitters to successfully complete this sophisticated-looking cardigan.