Valley Yarns Marjoram Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Marjoram Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Marjoram is a graceful top-down cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman that serves as a wardrobe essential for knitters of all levels seeking a versatile layering piece. This cardigan features three-quarter-length sleeves and is constructed in nine size options ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust measurements from 33¾ inches to 61¾ inches. The design is shown in Size S and is intended to fit with 1 to 2 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, wearable fit.

Techniques Used

The Marjoram cardigan employs multiple advanced knitting techniques that make it an excellent intermediate-level project. The garment is worked top-down, allowing knitters to try on the piece as it develops and easily customize the length. The body is worked in the round using circular needles, which eliminates the need for seaming the main body sections. However, seaming is used to join the sleeves to the body, creating clean, finished edges. The design incorporates stranded colorwork on the front bands and matching colorwork cuffs at the edges of the three-quarter-length sleeves, adding visual interest and texture. Small sections of steeking—a technique where stitches are cut to create openings—are included, making this an ideal introduction to this advanced method for knitters ready to expand their skill set.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout the Marjoram cardigan is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a V-shaped pattern on the right side. This fundamental stitch provides an elegant canvas for the stranded colorwork embellishments on the front bands and cuffs. The stranded colorwork sections introduce color patterning while maintaining the structural integrity of the knit fabric.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Marjoram cardigan is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Sport, a lightweight yarn composed of 100% Extrafine Superwash Merino Wool. Each skein contains 50 grams and yields 153 yards, making it an easy-care option perfect for garments requiring frequent washing. Yarn requirements vary by size: the main color (MC) in 03 Sand requires 7 to 14 skeins depending on size, while three contrast colors (CC1, CC2, and CC3) each require only 1 skein. The contrast colors are 19 Classic Navy, 20 Grass, and 15 Blue Mist, providing a sophisticated color palette for the stranded colorwork elements.

Two sets of circular needles in different sizes are required to achieve proper gauge in different sections of the garment. US 5 (3.75mm) circular needles in 16-inch and 32-40 inch lengths, along with double-pointed needles (DPNs) of the same size, are used for the main body, where the gauge is 24 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch when blocked. US 3 (3.25mm) circular needles in 16-inch and 32-40 inch lengths, plus matching DPNs, are used for the colorwork bands and cuffs, where the gauge is 26 stitches and 32 rounds per 4 inches in stockinette stitch when blocked. This gauge difference accommodates the tighter tension typically required for stranded colorwork.

Additional Materials and Notions

Beyond yarn and needles, the Marjoram cardigan requires several finishing materials: stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and shaping points, stitch holders to temporarily secure stitches during construction, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming, one 1-inch diameter button for the cardigan closure, a sewing needle, and thread matching the button color for secure attachment.

Skill Level and Construction Details

Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, the Marjoram cardigan is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle stranded colorwork and steeking techniques. The top-down construction method allows for in-progress fitting and adjustments, while the combination of in-the-round and flat knitting sections provides varied knitting experiences. The inclusion of small steeking sections makes this an ideal stepping stone for knitters interested in exploring this advanced technique without committing to an entire garment worked with steeks.