Valley Yarns Spearmint Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Spearmint Cardigan: Knitted Women's Short-Sleeved Design

What Is Being Made

The Spearmint is a women's waist-length, short-sleeved cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman. This knitted garment is ideal for layering over summer dresses or skirts and functions as a versatile 3-season classic piece. The cardigan features a graceful scoop neckline and button-front closure, available in sizes ranging from XS through 5XL to accommodate various body measurements. The finished bust measurements span from 33 inches (XS) to 65 inches (5XL) with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease when buttoned.

Knitting Techniques and Construction Method

The Spearmint cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, worked-flat approach, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward in flat pieces rather than in the round, with pieces later sewn together. This traditional construction method allows for precise shaping and straightforward pattern adjustments. The garment is worked primarily on circular needles in flat rows, which provides stability for larger projects and accommodates the increasing stitch counts needed for different sizes.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Spearmint employs a combination of fundamental knitting stitches to create visual and textural interest:

• Stockinette Stitch: Forms the main body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic fabric with visible V-shaped stitches on the right side. This stitch is worked at a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when blocked.
• Seeded Rib Sleeves: The sleeves feature a seeded rib pattern, which combines knit and purl stitches in an alternating arrangement to create subtle texture and elasticity while maintaining a refined appearance.
• K2/P2 Rib: A 2-by-2 ribbed cuff is worked for 1 inch at the lower edge, providing stretch and definition at the hem. This rib alternates two knit stitches with two purl stitches in repeating columns.
• Decreases and Shaping: Standard decreases including K2tog (knit 2 together) and Ssk (slip, slip, knit) are used throughout for waist shaping and armhole decreases, creating the fitted silhouette.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Spearmint pattern calls for Valley Yarns Sunderland, a luxurious yarn composed of 100% baby alpaca in the colorway Spring Willow. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 11 balls for the smallest size (XS) to 20 balls for the largest size (5XL). Each ball contains 50 grams and provides 109 yards of yardage.

Two sizes of circular needles are required to achieve proper gauge and accommodate different stitch counts:

• US Size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles: Available in 24-inch and 32-40 inch lengths, used for the main body and sleeves worked in stockinette stitch
• US Size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles: Available in 24-inch and 32-40 inch lengths, used for ribbed sections to create a tighter, more elastic fabric

Needle size selection should be adjusted as needed to achieve the specified gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rows equaling 4 inches in stockinette stitch when blocked.

Additional Materials and Notions

Beyond yarn and needles, the Spearmint cardigan requires several standard knitting notions and finishing supplies:

• Stitch markers and locking stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points
• Stitch holders or waste yarn for temporarily securing stitches during construction
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming pieces together
• Seven buttons measuring ½ to ¾ inch in diameter for the front closure
• Sewing needle and matching thread for attaching buttons securely

Difficulty Level

The Spearmint is rated as an intermediate knitting project, suitable for knitters with foundational skills in basic stitches,