Valley Yarns Yuzu Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Yuzu Wrap Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Yuzu is a long, luxurious V-neck wrap cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman. This versatile layering piece features a wrap front closure, long sleeves, and patch pockets, making it an elegant cover-up suitable for three-season wear. The cardigan transitions seamlessly from professional office settings paired with a crisp blouse to casual weekend styling over a simple tee shirt. Available in sizes XS through 4XL with finished bust measurements ranging from 33 inches to 61 inches, the Yuzu accommodates 4 to 6 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for an advanced beginner skill level. The garment is worked flat on circular needles, meaning pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round. The finished pieces are then seamed together using a tapestry needle to create the final garment. The V-neck and front edges feature twisted rib bands that add a stylish, refined detail to the wrap design. A single hem finish provides a clean, polished edge. Cable techniques may be incorporated into the stitch pattern for added texture and visual interest, though the primary stitch work centers on stockinette and rib variations.

Stitches Used

The Yuzu pattern employs essential knitting stitches that build foundational skills. Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric of the cardigan body, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. The twisted rib bands utilize K1 tbl (knit one through the back loop) combined with P1 tbl (purl one through the back loop) to create the signature twisted appearance. Standard decreases including K2tog (knit two together) and P2tog (purl two together) are used for shaping. The pattern also incorporates slip stitches worked knitwise for marker placement and construction purposes. These stitches work together to create a garment with both smooth, elegant stockinette sections and textured rib detailing.

Materials

The Yuzu is designed to be knitted with Valley Yarns Valley Superwash, a yarn composed of 100% Extrafine Merino Superwash fiber. Yarn requirements vary by size: XS requires 16 skeins, while larger sizes up to 4XL require up to 24 skeins. Each skein provides 97 yards and weighs 50 grams. The pattern shown is worked in color 419 Biscuit. Knitting needles required include US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles in both 24-inch and 32 to 40-inch lengths for the main fabric, and US 6 (4mm) circular needles in the same lengths for the twisted rib bands. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points, a stitch holder or waste yarn for holding stitches temporarily, and a tapestry needle for seaming the finished pieces together.

Gauge and Construction Details

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project to fit correctly. The pattern specifies 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when blocked using US 7 (4.5mm) needles. The twisted rib bands require a different gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when worked on US 6 (4mm) needles. The cardigan is constructed by casting on stitches and working the twisted rib band for approximately 1 inch before switching to the larger needles for the stockinette body. The pattern uses circular needles worked flat, with stitch markers placed to denote side seams and construction points, allowing the knitter to track increases and shaping throughout the body and sleeve sections.