1196 Octans - Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Sunderland

Pattern Summary: Octans Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Women — Valley Yarns Sunderland

The Octans Cardigan, pattern #1196, is an original design by Susan Baron published by Valley Yarns. This women's cardigan is a beautifully structured, color-blocked sweater worked in luxuriously soft Valley Yarns Sunderland, a 100% baby alpaca yarn in DK weight. The design strikes a balance between visual interest and wearability, making it an ideal layering piece for cool days. The finished garment falls at mid- to low hip depending on size, offering a relaxed, flattering silhouette with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease.

Sizes and Fit

The Octans Cardigan is available in a generous range of sizes to suit a wide variety of body types:

• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, and 5XL
• Finished Bust Measurements: 33½ (37, 40¾, 44¼, 48) (51¾, 55¼, 59, 62½) inches
• The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in size S
• Designed with positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit

Design Details and Construction

The Octans Cardigan is a seamed, bottom-up cardigan worked flat, meaning the pieces are constructed on straight or circular needles and then joined using traditional seaming techniques. This construction method gives the finished garment excellent structure and a clean, polished appearance. The sweater is notable for its sophisticated color blocking and mosaic stitch detailing, which elevate it beyond a simple beginner project while remaining accessible to advanced beginners.

The body is worked in one piece from the bottom up, beginning with a garter stitch hem before transitioning into a stockinette stitch body. A defining feature of the design is its drop waist, which is worked in a two-color garter mosaic stitch to create a striking visual transition between the two body colors. Above the waist, the color changes, and the body then divides at the armholes, with the fronts and back worked separately to completion.

• Hem: Garter stitch for a neat, non-rolling edge
• Body: Stockinette stitch in two contrasting colors separated by the drop waist
• Drop Waist: Two-color garter mosaic stitch, creating a decorative horizontal band
• Sleeves: Worked separately and seamed into the body; feature a garter stitch cuff topped with a mosaic motif that echoes the waist detail
• Front Bands and Collar: Stitches are picked up around the edges and worked in garter stitch for a wide, structured band and collar finish

Techniques Used

This pattern incorporates several knitting techniques that make it an excellent project for knitters who are ready to move beyond the basics and explore more structured garment construction:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is built from the cast-on edge upward, a traditional and intuitive method for shaped cardigans
• Worked flat (seamed): Pieces are knitted back and forth in rows, then seamed together for a tailored finish
• Stripes and color blocking: Two colors of Valley Yarns Sunderland are used to create bold, graphic color sections throughout the body
• Mosaic knitting: A two-color slip-stitch technique worked in garter stitch; mosaic knitting creates intricate-looking colorwork patterns while only working with one color per row, making it approachable for advanced beginners
• Three-needle bind off: Used for joining seams cleanly and professionally
• Picking up stitches: Required for the front bands and collar, a key garment-finishing skill
• Old Norwegian cast-on (or another stretchy cast-on method) is recommended for the body

Stitches Used