Valley Yarns WEBS Made To Border Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns WEBS Made To Border by Fiona Ellis Cardigan

What Is Being Made

This is a cute cap sleeve cardigan designed by Fiona Ellis, perfect for layering over a tank top. The cardigan features a distinctive design element where border patterning gradually morphs into progressively diminishing cables as the eye moves across the fabric. The garment is completed with simple edging and a knitted tie closure for a refined finish.

Finished Dimensions

The cardigan is available in seven sizes with bust measurements ranging from 31½ inches to 48 inches. Length from hem to shoulder varies from 21½ inches to 25½ inches depending on size selection, allowing for a customized fit across multiple body types.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is knitted from the hem upward, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length as needed
• Cables: Cable stitches are a primary design feature, specifically diminishing cables that create visual interest and texture throughout the piece
• Seamed Construction: Pieces are worked flat and then seamed together, providing clean, professional finishing
• Worked Flat: The main body sections are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making this an accessible project for intermediate knitters
• I-Cord: The knitted tie closure is created using the I-cord technique worked on double pointed needles
• Seed Stitch: Textured stitch pattern used in the design for visual variety and dimension
• Yarn Overs and Decreases: Shaping techniques including k2tog (knit 2 together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) decreases are employed for proper fit and garment shaping

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern incorporates multiple stitch techniques to create its distinctive appearance. Stockinette stitch forms the foundation fabric with a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches. Seed stitch provides textured contrast and is worked over an even or odd number of stitches depending on placement. Cable stitches are charted, with Chart A showing a 6-stitch cable pattern that includes C4B (cable 4 back) crossings. The cables gradually diminish in size as they progress, creating the signature morphing effect. Yarn overs create decorative increases, while ssk and k2tog decreases shape the garment and work into the cable pattern transitions.

Yarn and Materials

This cardigan is knitted using Valley Yarns Northfield, a premium blend yarn composed of 70% Merino, 20% Baby Alpaca, and 10% Silk. Each ball contains 50 grams and 124 yards of yarn. The yardage requirement ranges from 868 yards (7 balls) for the smallest size to 1488 yards (12 balls) for the largest size, depending on the finished bust measurement selected.

The project requires US size 6 (4.00mm) needles in multiple configurations: straight needles for the main flat knitting, a 24-inch circular needle for front edge neatening, and a pair of double pointed needles for the I-cord tie closure. Having needles in the correct size is essential for achieving the specified gauges of 27 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches when working Chart D, and 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience. The combination of cable work, charted patterns, shaping, and seaming requires solid fundamental skills, though the straightforward flat construction and clear abbreviations support successful completion by dedicated intermediate-level crafters.