935 Fenugreek - Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Amherst

Pattern 935 Fenugreek: A Long Open-Front Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Women by Julie Turjoman

Pattern 935 Fenugreek, designed by Julie Turjoman, is a long, luxurious open-front cardigan knitting pattern for women, worked in Valley Yarns Amherst, a 100% merino wool worsted weight yarn. This elegant, cozy design is intended as a three-season wardrobe staple, versatile enough to wear over a crisp blouse at the office or layered over a turtleneck on the weekend. The open front, long sleeves, set-in pockets, and wide lace front bands combine classic wearability with refined, fresh details.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a women's open-front, wrap-style cardigan with a relaxed, flowing silhouette. It features long sleeves, set-in pockets, and wide decorative lace front bands that run along the open edges of the garment. The cardigan is designed with 4 to 6 inches of positive ease, giving it a comfortable, draped fit. It is available in a wide range of sizes to fit busts from 32 to 60 inches, with finished bust measurements ranging from 36½ to 65 inches across eight sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, and 4XL. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in Size S in the colorway Ash.

Construction Techniques

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is built from the lower edge upward, a traditional approach that gives knitters clear, logical progression through the body and sleeves before joining at the shoulders.
• Worked flat (seamed): Pieces are knitted flat on straight or circular needles and then seamed together, a method that produces clean, structured edges and a polished, tailored finish well-suited to a garment with set-in pockets and defined front bands.
• Lace front bands: Wide lace panels are incorporated along the open front edges of the cardigan, adding an elegant, airy detail that elevates the overall design without overwhelming its wearability.
• Three-Needle Bind-Off: This technique is used to join seams neatly, requiring an extra US 8 needle. It creates a tidy, low-bulk join that is both functional and attractive on the inside and outside of the finished garment.
• Set-in pockets: Functional pockets are integrated into the body of the cardigan, requiring careful placement and pickup of stitches for a clean, professional result.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Lace stitch patterns worked along the wide front bands, involving yarn-overs and decreases to create an openwork, decorative texture
• Stockinette stitch for the main body and sleeves, providing a smooth, classic fabric that showcases the merino wool's natural sheen and drape
• Three-Needle Bind-Off for shoulder and seam joins
• Standard knitting techniques including increases, decreases, and stitch pickup for pocket construction and finishing

Skill Level

This pattern is rated Intermediate, making it an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping, reading lace charts or written lace instructions, working flat pieces, and seaming finished sections together. The lace front bands and set-in pocket construction add satisfying complexity without being overwhelming for a confident intermediate knitter.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The pattern calls for Valley Yarns Amherst, a 100% Merino Wool worsted weight yarn sold in 50g / 109-yard balls. Depending on the size, the project requires 14 to 20 balls: 14 balls for XS, 15 for S, 16 for M and L, 17 for XL, 18 for 2XL, 19 for 3XL, and 20 for 4XL. The sample is shown in the colorway Ash. Merino wool is prized for its exceptional softness, warmth, and slight natural elasticity, making it an ideal fiber for a cozy, wearable cardigan intended for three-season use.