Valley Yarns Poppyseed Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Poppyseed Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Poppyseed is an intermediate-level pullover cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman, styled as a casual fall garment with classic baseball shirt references. Available in nine size options ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust measurements from 34¼ inches to 62¼ inches, this pullover offers 2–4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The design combines everyday wearability with special decorative touches, making it suitable for both casual and slightly dressed-up occasions.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is worked in the round, a fundamental circular knitting technique that creates seamless fabric and allows for efficient construction. The garment features raglan shoulders, a classic tailoring technique where the sleeves decrease gradually from the cuff to the neckline, creating diagonal seam lines that enhance the silhouette. The design incorporates eyelet lace sleeves, which add visual interest and breathability through decorative openwork. I-Cord edgings are applied throughout the piece, creating clean, finished lines along the neckline and other edges. The neckline is finished with a knit-bound method, ensuring a durable and polished edge that resists rolling and maintains its shape through wear and washing.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric that forms the body of the cardigan. The sleeves feature lace pattern stitches, which incorporate yarn-overs and decreases to create decorative eyelet designs. The lace pattern includes techniques such as K2tog (knit 2 together) and Sk2p (slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over), which are decrease stitches that shape the lace motifs. I-Cord is a specialized technique used for edgings; it involves working a small tube of stitches using a cast-on method that creates a cord-like finish. The pattern also employs Kfb (knit into front and back) for increases and standard knit and purl stitches as foundational elements.

Materials and Yarn

The Poppyseed is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Haydenville DK, an easy-care yarn blend composed of 60% Superwash Merino Wool and 40% Acrylic Microfiber. This blend combines the softness and breathability of merino with the durability and easy-care properties of acrylic, making the finished garment practical for frequent wear and washing. Yarn requirements range from 9 skeins for the smallest size (XS) to 14 skeins for the largest sizes (2XL, 3XL, 4XL), with each skein weighing 50 grams and providing 136 yards. The sample shown in the pattern is knit in Color 17 Light Blue.

Needles and Tools

Construction requires US 5 (3.75mm) circular needles in three lengths: 16 inches, 24 inches, and 32–40 inches, allowing for working different sections of the garment as the stitch count changes. Double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size are also needed for smaller circumference sections. Additional tools include locking stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming if needed.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this intermediate project. The stockinette stitch gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rounds over 4 inches when blocked, while the lace pattern gauge is 20 stitches and 26 rounds over 4 inches when blocked. The difference in gauge between stockinette and lace reflects the more open nature of the eyelet pattern. Finished bust measurements across the size range are 34¼ inches (XS), 37¾ inches (S), 42¼ inches (M), 46¼ inches (L), 49¾ inches (XL), 54¼ inches (2XL), 58¼ inches (3XL), and 62¼ inches (4XL).