Valley Yarns Neapolitan Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Neapolitan Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Neapolitan is a uniquely constructed women's cardigan that blends shrug and cardigan elements to create a versatile layering piece. Designed by Julie Turjoman, this garment features a distinctive Missoni-esque chevron pattern that flows both sideways and vertically across the fabric. Available in sizes XS through 5XL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 34 inches to 66 inches, the Neapolitan is engineered to flatter all figures with its dynamic stripe and pattern work. The piece is worked flat in Valley Yarns Granville, a luxurious cotton-wool blend that provides a soft hand and saturated color palette ideal for a summer wardrobe staple.

Techniques Used

The Neapolitan employs several advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its sophisticated construction. The garment is worked flat on circular needles, allowing for controlled shaping and pattern management across the body. Seaming techniques join the flat-worked pieces together to create the finished three-dimensional garment. The design incorporates lace elements within its chevron stitch pattern, adding visual interest and texture. Stripes are achieved through a carefully planned color sequence using four distinct yarn colors that create the signature Missoni-inspired chevron effect. The pattern flows both horizontally and vertically, requiring knitters to follow a detailed color chart while maintaining stitch integrity throughout the project.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is the Chevron Stitchknit 2 together (K2tog) decreases used to shape the chevron formations and create the garment's contoured silhouette. The combination of these stitches, when worked according to the color chart provided, produces the flowing striped effect that distinguishes this design. Knitters must maintain consistent tension and stitch count while transitioning between colors to ensure the pattern remains true throughout the piece.

Materials and Yarn

The Neapolitan is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Granville, a premium blend of 90% Pima Cotton and 10% Merino Wool. This fiber composition provides exceptional softness and breathability, making it ideal for warm-weather garments. The yarn is available in four coordinating colorways: Charcoal (main color), Kelp, Plum, and Dark Teal. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 4 hanks of the main color for smaller sizes to 9 hanks for the largest size, with 2 to 4 hanks each of the three contrast colors depending on finished dimensions. Each hank contains 167 yards and weighs 50 grams, providing approximately 3,350 yards per pound.

Needles and Tools

Construction requires US 5 (3.75mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32-40 inch lengths for working the main fabric at the established gauge. A US 4 (3.50mm) circular needle in 16-24 inch length is also needed, likely for ribbing or edging work. The recommended gauge is 24 stitches and 28 rounds per 4 inches when working Chevron Stitch on US size 5 needles in blocked fabric. Additional materials include stitch markers for pattern tracking and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Finished Measurements and Sizing

The Neapolitan is offered in nine sizes spanning XS to 5XL. Bust measurements range from 34 inches in the smallest size to 66 inches in the largest, with the garment designed to fit with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease for comfortable wear. Length at center back varies from 27½ inches for size XS to 36½ inches for size 5XL, allowing for appropriate proportional scaling across the size range. The pattern provides detailed finished measurements for each size, enabling knitters to select the appropriate dimensions for their intended wearer.

Skill Level

The Neapolitan is classified as an Experienced or Advanced project, suitable for knitters with solid foundational skills and experience working with color patterns. The combination of flat construction, color work following a detailed chart, seaming techniques, and the need to maintain pattern integrity while managing multiple yarn colors requires confidence in reading patterns and executing precise stitch work.