Valley Yarns Phoebe Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Phoebe Striped Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Phoebe is an adult women's cardigan featuring a fun, springy striped design with a twisted rib yoke. Designed by Julie Turjoman, this versatile piece is ideal for weekend activities, cool spring evenings, or adding a splash of color to any wardrobe. Available in sizes XS through 4XL, the cardigan offers finished bust measurements ranging from 33¾" to 60¾" with 2–4" of positive ease for comfortable wear.

Techniques Used

This beginner-friendly cardigan is an excellent first sweater project, employing several fundamental knitting techniques:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is worked from the cast-on edge upward, allowing knitters to try on and adjust length as needed before completing the piece.
• Seaming: The cardigan is worked in separate pieces—body and sleeves—then seamed together for a polished, professional finish.
• Striped colorwork: The design features horizontal stripes worked in three colors: White (MC), Navy (CC1), and Orchid (CC2), creating visual interest while remaining accessible for beginner knitters.
• Buttonholes: The cardigan includes seven or eight buttonholes (depending on size) to accommodate 1" diameter buttons for closure.
• Twisted rib yoke: The yoke features a twisted rib stitch that adds texture and definition to the neckline and upper body area.

Stitches Used

The Phoebe pattern utilizes straightforward stitches appropriate for beginner knitters:

• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch for the body, worked in rows on flat needles, creating a smooth, classic fabric.
• Twisted rib: Used in the yoke section to create texture and structure at the neckline.
• Knit and purl: Basic stitches combined to form the ribbed and stockinette elements.
• Decreases: K2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) techniques are used for shaping.
• Increases: Incorporated as needed for garment shaping and fit.

Materials and Yarn

The Phoebe is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Montague, a 100% cotton yarn that provides a lightweight, breathable fabric perfect for spring and warm-weather wear. Yarn requirements vary by size:

• Main Color (MC) White: 6–11 skeins depending on size
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1) Navy: 3–6 skeins depending on size
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2) Orchid: 3–6 skeins depending on size

Each skein of Valley Yarns Montague contains 50 grams and yields 110 yards. The cotton fiber content ensures the finished cardigan is soft, durable, and suitable for layering during transitional seasons.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for two needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and fabric characteristics:

• US size 7 (4.50 mm) needles: Used for the main body in stockinette stitch
• US size 5 (3.75 mm) needles: Used for ribbed sections to create a tighter, more elastic fabric

The target gauge is 18 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for accurate sizing and fit.

Additional Materials

Beyond yarn and needles, the Phoebe pattern requires the following notions and tools:

• Locking stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping
• Stitch holders for temporarily securing live stitches
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming pieces together
• Seven to eight buttons measuring 1" in diameter (quantity varies by size)
• Sewing needle and matching thread for attaching buttons securely