Pennycress Cardigan in Valley Yarns Haydenville DK - 916 - Downloadable PDF

Pennycress Cardigan in Valley Yarns Haydenville DK – Pattern #916 by Julie Turjoman

The Pennycress Cardigan, pattern number 916, is a classic crewneck cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman and knitted in the beautiful Valley Yarns Haydenville DK. Described as a seamless wardrobe essential, this design is worked entirely in one piece from the neck down to the hem, making it an approachable yet satisfying project for intermediate knitters. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, giving you immediate access to start your project.

What Is Being Made

The finished object is a seamless top-down crewneck cardigan designed to sit comfortably in every knitter's capsule wardrobe. It features a classic silhouette elevated by textured rib bands and edges that add subtle visual interest without overwhelming the clean, wearable lines of the garment. The cardigan is shown in Size S and is available in a wide range of sizes to suit many body types.

• Sizes available: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, and 4XL
• Finished bust measurements: 34¼ (38¼, 41, 45¼, 48¾) (53, 57, 61¾) inches, with front bands overlapped and approximately 1–2 inches of positive ease
• Closure: A single button, sized ¾ to 1 inch in diameter, serves as the fastening

Construction Techniques

The Pennycress Cardigan is a wonderful example of top-down seamless construction, a method beloved by knitters because it allows for easy length adjustments and eliminates the need for sewing seams at the end. Working from the neck down in one continuous piece, the knitter shapes the yoke, separates the sleeves, and continues down through the body to the hem — all without picking up a seaming needle.

• Top-down construction: The garment begins at the neckline and is worked downward, allowing you to try on the piece as you go and customize the fit
• Worked flat: Despite being seamless in structure, sections of this cardigan are worked flat, meaning the knitting travels back and forth in rows rather than in the round — a technique that naturally creates the open front edges of a cardigan
• Lace: Lace detailing is incorporated into the design, adding a delicate, airy texture that lifts this basic silhouette into something special
• Buttonhole: A neat, functional buttonhole is worked into the front band to accommodate the single button closure
• Single hem: A clean single hem finish is used to give the garment's edges a polished, professional look
• Seamed elements: While the garment is largely seamless, some seamed finishing is involved, consistent with the techniques listed for this pattern
• Buttons: One button, between ¾ and 1 inch in diameter, is required to complete the front closure

Stitches Used

The Pennycress Cardigan draws on a combination of foundational and decorative knitting stitches. Knitters comfortable with basic techniques will find the skill set required manageable, while the lace and textural elements provide enough variety to keep the project engaging throughout.

• Ribbing: Textured rib bands and edges are a defining feature of this design, used at the cuffs, hem, and front bands to add structure and visual detail
• Lace stitches: Lace patterning introduces yarn-overs and decreases to create an open, decorative fabric in select areas of the cardigan
• Standard knit and purl stitches: The body of the garment is built on the foundational knit and purl combinations that form the backbone of most knitted fabric
• Increases and decreases: Top-down construction relies heavily on strategic increases to shape the yoke and raglan or set-in sleeve areas, while decreases refine the silhouette throughout

Yarn and Materials