Amaryllis Cardigan in Valley Yarns Northampton - Downloadable PDF

Amaryllis Cardigan in Valley Yarns Northampton

What is Being Made

The Amaryllis Cardigan is a thigh-length knitted cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. This intermediate-level project creates a classic, everyday cardigan with extended length and refined construction details. The garment is available in sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with the sample shown in Size M featuring a finished bust measurement of 43¾ inches (not including front band overlap). This cardigan is engineered to fit with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease, making it a comfortable, relaxed-fitting layering piece suitable for winter wear.

Design Features and Visual Interest

Beyond its practical length and cozy appeal, the Amaryllis Cardigan incorporates several design elements that elevate it from a basic cardigan style. The textured body creates visual depth and interest across the main garment sections. Deep ribbed hems at the cuffs and hem provide structure and a polished finish. The cardigan is finished with a narrow, ribbed shawl collar that adds sophistication while maintaining functionality for cold-weather wear. These design choices combine classic cardigan construction with contemporary styling details.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is worked from the bottom hem upward, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length as needed
• Worked Flat: The body is knitted flat on circular needles rather than in the round, making it accessible for knitters who prefer traditional flat knitting methods
• Seamed Construction: Pieces are seamed together after completion, creating clean, professional-looking seams that contribute to the garment's polished appearance
• Single Hem: The hem is finished with a single-layer construction technique for a clean, lightweight edge
• Ribbed Bands: The front bands and shawl collar utilize ribbing techniques to create structure and elasticity in these important finishing areas

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Amaryllis Cardigan features a textured stitch pattern throughout the body that provides visual interest and dimension. The pattern utilizes ribbed stitches for the hems, cuffs, and shawl collar, which are fundamental knitting techniques that create vertical lines and elastic recovery. The textured body stitches work together to create the crisp stitch definition that Valley Yarns Northampton wool is known for showcasing. The combination of textured body stitches with ribbed trim creates a balanced visual design that is both modern and timeless.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This cardigan is designed specifically for Valley Yarns Northampton, a 100% wool yarn in worsted weight. The yarn is offered in the color Dahlia for this project. Yardage requirements range from 1,482 yards (6 skeins for Size XS) to 1,691 yards (13 skeins for Size 4XL), with each skein containing 247 yards and weighing 100 grams. The generous yardage and crisp stitch definition of this wool create a durable, long-wearing garment suitable for daily wear.

The pattern calls for two needle sizes to accommodate different sections of the cardigan. US size 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles measuring 24 to 32 inches are used for the main body, worked at the pattern's recommended gauge. US size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in both 24 to 32-inch and 40 to 60-inch lengths are used for the front bands and other ribbed sections, creating a tighter gauge that provides structure and definition to these finishing details.

Skill Level and Construction Approach

Rated as Advanced Beginner difficulty, the Amaryllis Cardigan is accessible to knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle a more complex project. The bottom-up, flat construction method provides flexibility during the knitting process, while the seamed finishing requires attention to detail but results in professional-looking seams. This project is ideal for knitters looking to expand their skills with a wearable, practical garment that combines classic cardigan construction with contemporary design elements.