#1304 Cepheus - Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Hawley by Valley Yarns

Pattern Summary: #1304 Cepheus Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Women by Valley Yarns

The Cepheus Cardigan (#1304) is a women's knitting pattern designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. This intermediate-level pattern produces a striking tunic-length cardigan with dolman sleeves and slip stitch colorwork detailing — a rewarding project for knitters who appreciate unusual construction methods and garments with beautiful drape. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is sized to fit a wide range of bodies, from XS through 5XL.

What Is Being Made

The Cepheus is a tunic-length women's cardigan with full-length dolman sleeves. The body is worked in solid-color stockinette stitch and flows into wide, sweeping sleeves that are created by gradually casting on stitches at both side edges — a distinctive construction choice that gives the garment its relaxed, draped silhouette. The upper portion of the garment, spanning the back, shoulders, and top of the arms, features slip stitch colorwork for a visually interesting contrast to the plain body. Ribbed front bands in a contrasting color frame the colorwork and finish the front opening with a polished, structured look.

The finished bust measurement ranges from 37¼" to 69¼" across nine sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL), with the garment designed to be worn with 8–10 inches of positive ease, making it an intentionally relaxed, comfortable fit. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in size S.

Construction and Techniques

The Cepheus Cardigan uses a combination of techniques that make it particularly interesting for knitters looking to expand their skills:

• Seamed construction: The garment is worked in separate flat pieces that are seamed together, a traditional approach that gives the finished fabric structure and helps the cardigan hold its shape over time.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, which is well-suited to the seamed finishing method.
• Dolman sleeve shaping: Rather than setting in sleeves separately, the sleeves are formed by gradually casting on stitches at both side edges of the body, creating a seamless visual transition from body to sleeve. This is a hallmark of dolman construction and contributes significantly to the garment's fluid drape.
• Slip stitch colorwork: The upper back, shoulders, and tops of the arms feature slip stitch colorwork. This technique involves slipping certain stitches rather than knitting them, carrying a second color across the fabric without the complexity of stranded knitting. The result is a textured, two-color pattern that is manageable for intermediate knitters.
• Contrasting color ribbing: The front bands are worked in a contrasting color using ribbing, a stretchy, structured stitch pattern commonly used for edges and borders to prevent curling and add visual definition.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch — the primary stitch for the tunic-length body, creating a smooth, drapey fabric surface
• Slip stitch colorwork — used across the back yoke, shoulders, and upper sleeves to introduce pattern and a second color
• Ribbing — used for the front bands in a contrasting color, providing structure and a finished edge

Yarn and Materials

The Cepheus Cardigan is designed specifically for Valley Yarns Hawley, a DK weight yarn with a distinctive fiber blend of 50% Cotton, 30% Silk, and 20% Nylon/Polyamide, sold in 50g/135-yard balls. This fiber combination gives the yarn a rustic yet luxurious hand — the cotton provides breathability and body, the silk adds sheen and drape, and the nylon contributes durability and a subtle sheen. Together, these qualities make Hawley an excellent choice for a transitional garment suited to three-season wear.

The main color (MC) shown in the pattern is Crushed Velvet (color 13),