Valley Yarns Kingfisher Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Kingfisher Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Kingfisher is an intermediate-level wrap-front cardigan, often referred to as a "coatigan" due to its generous, overlapping front closure and substantial construction. This garment is designed by Julie Turjoman and features a luxurious aesthetic suitable for layering during cool weather. The cardigan is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust measurements from 44 inches to 76 inches, and is intended to be worn with a generous overlap at the front for a wrap-style closure.

Knitting Techniques

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its distinctive look and structure:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The garment is worked from the lower edge upward, beginning with a ribbed hem and progressing through the body and upper sections.
• Worked Flat: The piece is knitted flat on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing for seaming at the sides to create the finished garment shape.
• Seamed Construction: After completing the flat-knitted pieces, they are seamed together using a tapestry needle to join the body sections.
• Cable Work: Cables are incorporated into the front panel design, adding textural interest and visual depth to the wrap-front closure.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Kingfisher utilizes a combination of fundamental and decorative stitches to achieve its sophisticated appearance:

• Ribbing: The garment begins with K2/P2 (knit 2, purl 2) ribbing for 2 inches, creating an elastic edge that provides structure and helps the hem lay flat.
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch: The main body background is worked in reverse stockinette stitch, where the purl side faces outward. This creates a subtle, textured surface that serves as an elegant backdrop for the cable detailing.
• Cable Stitches: Cables are worked using a cable needle to create twisted, rope-like patterns on the front panel. These cables add dimension and visual interest to the wrap-front design.
• Increases and Decreases: Strategic increases (M1 for make 1) and decreases (K2tog for knit 2 together) are used to shape the garment and create the proper fit across various sizes.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Kingfisher is designed to showcase Valley Yarns Becket, a premium blend yarn that contributes significantly to the garment's luxurious drape and warmth:

• Yarn: Valley Yarns Becket, a 50% Superfine Alpaca and 50% Wool blend, offering both softness and durability. Each skein contains 100 grams and yields 141 yards.
• Yardage Requirements: Depending on size, the project requires between 8 and 15 skeins of yarn. Smaller sizes (XS through M) require 8 to 10 skeins, medium sizes (L and XL) require 11 to 13 skeins, and larger sizes (2XL through 4XL) require 14 to 15 skeins.
• Color: The sample cardigan shown is knitted in color 17 Lilac Blossom, a soft, sophisticated hue suitable for spring and transitional seasons.
• Needles: US size 9 (5.50 mm) circular needles in 16-inch and 24 to 40-inch lengths are used for the main fabric, while US size 7 (4.50 mm) circular needles in 16-inch and 40-inch lengths are used for the ribbed hem. Needle size may be adjusted as needed to achieve the correct gauge.
• Additional Supplies: A cable needle, stitch markers, and a tapestry needle are required to complete the project.

Gauge and Fit

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 20 rows equaling 4 inches when worked in reverse stockinette stitch on US size 9 needles and blocked. The cardigan is designed to fit bust sizes ranging from 30 to 62 inches, with the finished measurements providing approximately 12 to 18 inches of positive ease depending on the size chosen, accommodating the generous