Valley Yarns B Basic Set-in Sleeve Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns B Basic Set-in Sleeve Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns B Basic Set-in Sleeve Cardigan is a classic wardrobe staple cardigan designed by Susan Baron, updated with a modern fit. This knitted cardigan offers customization options including a choice between V-neck or crew neck styling, and the option to add or omit waist shaping. The finished cardigan features set-in sleeves and button front closure, making it a versatile piece suitable for various occasions and body types. Available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with finished bust measurements from 33 inches to 65 inches, this pattern accommodates a wide range of fit preferences.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the neckline. The pattern is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, requiring seaming to join the pieces together. The set-in sleeve construction involves knitting the body and sleeves as separate pieces, then joining them with seams for a tailored, fitted appearance. The pattern emphasizes the importance of achieving proper gauge through careful swatching and blocking before beginning the main project, as gauge accuracy is critical to the final fit of the cardigan.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout this cardigan is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side. Ribbing is incorporated for the cuffs, button bands, and lower edge, providing elasticity and a finished appearance. The ribbing sections are worked on smaller needles to create a tighter gauge that helps these areas maintain their shape and stretch recovery.

Materials and Yarn

The Valley Yarns B Basic Set-in Sleeve Cardigan is designed to be knitted in Valley Yarns Northampton, a worsted weight yarn composed of 100% wool. Yarn requirements vary by size: XS through XL sizes require 5 to 8 skeins (approximately 1200 to 1900 yards), while 2XL through 5XL sizes require 9 to 12 skeins (approximately 2150 to 2800 yards). Each skein of Valley Yarns Northampton contains 100 grams and yields 247 yards.

Needles and Notions

Two sizes of circular needles are required for this project. The main body and sleeves are worked on US size 7 (4.50 mm) circular needles measuring 24 to 32 inches in length, depending on the size being knitted. The ribbing sections and button bands are worked on smaller US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches in length. Additional materials include locking stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming pieces together, and six buttons (for V-neck option) or seven buttons (for crew neck option) measuring 1 inch in diameter. A sewing needle and matching thread are needed to securely attach buttons to the finished cardigan.

Gauge and Fit Considerations

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows equaling 4 inches in stockinette stitch when worked on the larger size needle and properly blocked. The pattern instructions emphasize the critical importance of knitting a large gauge swatch measuring 6 inches square, washing and blocking it using the same methods planned for the finished sweater, and measuring stitch and row counts to ensure accuracy. Adjusting needle sizes up or down based on gauge results is necessary to achieve the intended finished measurements and proper fit of the cardigan.

Difficulty Level

This cardigan is classified as advanced beginner level, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle more complex projects involving shaping, set-in sleeves, and seaming. The pattern requires understanding of increases and decreases for shaping the body and armholes, as well as proficiency with circular needle techniques and garment assembly.