992 Neapolitan - Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Granville

992 Neapolitan – Women's Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Julie Turjoman in Valley Yarns Granville

About This Pattern

Designed by Julie Turjoman, Neapolitan (Pattern #992) is a uniquely constructed women's cardigan that blends the relaxed, wrap-like ease of a shrug with the structure and coverage of a traditional cardigan. The result is a versatile, flattering layering piece designed to become a true warkhorse in any knitter's wardrobe. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is rated Experienced in skill level, making it an ideal challenge for advanced knitters ready to explore complex stitch architecture and multi-color construction.

Design Concept and Construction

What sets Neapolitan apart is its innovative construction: a Missoni-esque chevron lace pattern that flows both sideways and vertically across the fabric, creating a dynamic visual effect that flatters a wide range of body types. This directional interplay of stripes and lace gives the finished garment a sophisticated, fashion-forward aesthetic reminiscent of Italian knitwear design. The cardigan is worked flat and seamed, meaning individual pieces are knitted separately and then joined — a traditional construction method that lends excellent shape retention and clean finishing to the final garment.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern is written in nine sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, and 5XL, offering an impressively inclusive size range. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in Size L.

• Finished Bust: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50) (54, 58, 62, 66) inches
• Ease: Designed to fit with 2–4 inches of positive ease for a relaxed, comfortable drape
• Center Back Length: 27½ (28½, 29½, 30½, 31½) (33½, 34½, 35½, 36½) inches

Techniques Used

This is an advanced pattern that draws on several distinct knitting techniques working in concert. Knitters should be comfortable with the following before casting on:

• Lace knitting – The chevron pattern incorporates yarn-over increases and corresponding decreases to create the signature open, airy lace motif that defines the fabric's texture and visual rhythm.
• Stripes – Three colors are worked in a coordinated stripe sequence, requiring confident color management and tidy yarn carry or joining techniques to keep floats and edges neat.
• Worked flat – All pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, so knitters must be able to read and work lace patterns on both right-side and wrong-side rows.
• Seamed construction – Finished pieces are seamed together, so familiarity with techniques such as mattress stitch or backstitch seaming is essential for a polished result.

Stitches Used

The stitch pattern at the heart of Neapolitan is a chevron lace motif — a classic knitting construction in which yarn-over increases create decorative eyelets while paired decreases (such as k2tog and ssk) shape the fabric into repeating zigzag or V-shaped columns. When combined with the multi-color stripe sequence, these chevrons produce the flowing, diagonal movement characteristic of Missoni-inspired knitwear. Additional stitches likely include standard knit and purl combinations for any ribbing, borders, or transitional sections, as is typical in seamed flat construction.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is designed specifically for Valley Yarns Granville, a sport weight yarn with a luxurious fiber blend of 90% Pima Cotton and 10% Merino Wool. Each hank contains approximately 167 yards (50g), and the yarn's cotton-dominant composition gives it a soft hand, beautiful stitch definition, and a saturated color uptake — ideal for showcasing the intricate lace and stripe pattern. The addition of Merino Wool adds a subtle elasticity and warmth that makes