Valley Yarns Pennycress Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Pennycress Cardigan: Classic Top-Down Knit Design

What Is Being Made

The Pennycress is a seamless crewneck cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman, created as a versatile essential piece for any knitter's capsule wardrobe. This classic top-down cardigan is worked in one piece from the neckline down to the hem, eliminating the need for seaming while maintaining a polished, professional finish. The design features textured rib bands and edges that elevate it beyond a basic cardigan, making it suitable for intermediate-level knitters seeking a timeless wardrobe staple.

Techniques Used

The Pennycress employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its refined construction:

• Top-Down Construction: The entire cardigan is worked from the neckline downward in a single piece, allowing for seamless integration and easy adjustments during the knitting process.
• Worked Flat: Despite being worked in one piece, sections are constructed using flat knitting methods rather than in-the-round, providing flexibility in shaping and finishing.
• Raglan Shaping: The design incorporates raglan increases to create the sleeve cap and shoulder structure, with increases worked at strategic points to achieve proper fit across multiple sizes (XS through 4XL).
• Buttonhole Placement: A single button closure is integrated into the front band design, requiring careful buttonhole placement and execution.
• Seamed Details: While the main body is seamless, strategic seaming may be used to finish and reinforce specific edges and closures.
• Lace Elements: Textured rib patterns create visual interest and provide special details that distinguish this cardigan from basic designs.
• Single Hem: A clean, single-layer hem finish provides a polished edge without bulk.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with textured stitch patterns:

• Stockinette Stitch: Forms the primary fabric of the cardigan body, creating a smooth, classic surface. Gauge for stockinette is 24 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches when blocked using the larger needle.
• Twisted Rib Pattern: Used for the rib bands and edges to add textural contrast and visual detail. This stitch pattern is worked at a slightly tighter gauge of 26 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches when blocked using the smaller needle.
• Knit and Purl Combinations: The twisted rib incorporates alternating knit and purl stitches to create the characteristic ribbed texture.
• Decreases: K2tog (knit 2 together) decreases are used for raglan shaping and other shaping elements throughout the pattern.
• Increases: Strategic increases are worked to expand the piece during top-down construction, particularly for raglan shaping at the sleeve caps.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Pennycress is designed to showcase Valley Yarns Haydenville DK, a soft and saturated yarn that elevates the cardigan beyond ordinary basics. The yarn composition is 60% Superwash Merino Wool and 40% Acrylic Microfiber, providing durability, softness, and easy care. Each skein contains 50 grams and 136 yards of yardage.

Yarn Requirements by Size:

• XS, S, M: 10, 10, 11 skeins respectively
• L, XL: 12, 13 skeins respectively
• 2XL, 3XL, 4XL: 14, 15, 16 skeins respectively

The pattern sample shown is knitted in Size S using Color 20 Persimmon, a warm, saturated shade that demonstrates the yarn's rich color saturation.

Needles and Tools

The Pennycress requires two needle sizes to accommodate different stitch patterns and their respective gauges:

• US 5 (3.75mm) Needles: Used for stockinette stitch sections. Required sizes include 16-inch and 32-40 inch circular needles, plus double-pointed needles for any necessary small-circumference knitting.
• US 4