#1348 Kousa - Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Hardwick

Kousa Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Women

What Is Being Made

The Kousa is a long and luxurious cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. This women's cardigan features a raised collar, overlapping front bands, and a sophisticated silhouette that works as a special holiday gift or everyday layering piece. The design is available in sizes XS through 4XL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 35½ inches to 65 inches, accommodating 4–6 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Techniques and Construction

The Kousa cardigan is worked flat in pieces and seamed for structure and durability. This construction method allows knitters to work individual sections—such as the front panels, back, and sleeves—on straight needles before joining them together with seams. Working flat in pieces is an excellent technique for intermediate knitters, as it provides clear shaping opportunities and makes it easier to try on and adjust fit as you progress. The seamed construction also contributes to the polished, structured appearance of the finished garment.

The pattern incorporates cable techniques as a key design element, adding visual interest and texture to the cardigan. The raised collar and overlapping front bands are classic design details that enhance the sophisticated aesthetic while remaining accessible to knitters building their skills.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

A signature feature of the Kousa is the dragon skin stitch texture, a subtle but sophisticated stitch pattern that creates dimensional interest across the fabric. This textured stitch combines with the yarn's natural tonal color variations to add depth and visual appeal without overwhelming the design. The dragon skin stitch is a specialty stitch that adds complexity and refinement to the piece, making it suitable for intermediate knitters looking to expand their stitch repertoire.

Yarn and Materials

The Kousa is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Hardwick, a premium blend of 50% baby alpaca, 35% wool, and 15% silk. This fiber combination creates a luxurious hand and drape ideal for a cardigan. Hardwick is a worsted-weight yarn, with each hank containing 100 yards and weighing 100 grams. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 7 hanks for size XS to 15 hanks for size 4XL. The sample cardigan shown in the pattern is knit in size S using the Natural colorway (01-Natural), which showcases the yarn's tonal qualities and allows the stitch textures to shine.

Knitters will need US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles to work this pattern. The needle size is matched to the worsted-weight yarn to create the appropriate gauge and fabric density for the cardigan's structure and drape.

Difficulty Level

The Kousa is rated as an intermediate knitting pattern. While it incorporates techniques such as cables and specialty stitches like the dragon skin stitch, the pattern is designed to be accessible to both new and experienced knitters. The flat, seamed construction method provides clear guidance for shaping and assembly, making it an excellent project for knitters looking to build confidence with textured stitches and garment construction.