Valley Yarns Nutmeg Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Nutmeg Hoodie Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Nutmeg is a beginner-friendly children's hoodie cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman. This garment is engineered for active wear and growth, featuring generous positive ease of 2 to 4 inches to accommodate movement and size progression through multiple seasons from fall into spring. The pattern is available in seven sizes ranging from 1-2 years through 12-14 years, with finished chest measurements from 20½ inches to 34¾ inches.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Nutmeg employs a combination of construction methods to create a well-fitted, durable garment. The piece is worked flat on circular needles using back-and-forth rows for the main body sections, and worked in the round using circular needles for seamless construction where appropriate. The garment is seamed together at strategic points to join the various pieces. Assembly follows a bottom-up construction method, meaning the body is knitted from the lower edge upward toward the shoulders and neckline. Short-row shaping using the Wrap & Turn (W&T) method is employed to shape the shoulders, creating a custom fit without the need for complex decreasing patterns.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Nutmeg is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for children's wear. This fundamental knit stitch pattern is worked at a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches when blocked on the larger needles. The pattern also incorporates essential shaping techniques including knit 2 together (K2tog) and slip, slip, knit (SSK) decreases to shape armholes and other fitted areas. Stitch markers are used throughout to indicate key points such as the beginning of armholes and pattern repeats, with locking stitch markers employed to track specific construction landmarks.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Nutmeg is designed to be knitted in Valley Yarns Valley Superwash, a worsted weight yarn composed of 100% Extra Fine Merino Superwash wool. This fiber choice makes the finished garment easy-care and durable, practical for active children. The main color (MC) requires 4 to 12 skeins depending on size, with each skein containing 50 grams and 97 yards. The sample shown is knitted in Color 127 Burgundy. A contrast color (CC) accent requires 1 skein of the same yarn in Color 200 Steel Gray.

Needles required include US size 8 (5.00 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32-inch lengths, plus double-pointed needles (DPNs) of the same size for working small circumferences. US size 7 (4.50 mm) needles in 16-inch and 32-inch circular formats and DPNs are also needed for ribbing or other sections requiring a tighter gauge. Needle size should be adjusted as needed to achieve the specified gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles when blocked.

Additional Materials

• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points
• Locking stitch markers to indicate armhole beginnings and other key shaping locations
• Stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming pieces together

Pattern Characteristics

Designed as a beginner-level project, the Nutmeg prioritizes straightforward construction and fundamental techniques, making it an excellent introduction to garment knitting for those new to the craft. The pattern includes detailed abbreviations and clear instructions, with armhole shaping marked by locking stitch markers placed at each end of the back piece. The garment is worked to specific measurements before armhole shaping begins, with the back piece measuring approximately 3¾ to 7½ inches from the armhole start depending on the child's size, ending on a wrong-side row to maintain pattern consistency.