797 Basil Cardigan - Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Amherst

797 Basil Cardigan - Seamless Top-Down Raglan Knit Pattern

What is Being Made

The 797 Basil Cardigan is a seamless, top-down raglan cardigan designed for women by Kirsten Hipsky. This versatile layering piece features a soft, cozy construction and is available in six finished sizes ranging from 36 inches to 60 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The cardigan is designed to pair easily with various outfits and serves as a practical everyday garment.

Construction Techniques

This pattern employs two primary construction techniques that make it accessible and efficient to knit:

• Seamless Construction: The cardigan is knit in one continuous piece without seaming, which eliminates the need for finishing seams and creates a more polished final garment. This technique also allows for easier adjustments during the knitting process.
• Top-Down Raglan Method: Beginning at the neckline and working downward, the yoke is shaped using raglan increases. This approach allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily customize the length before committing yarn to the body and sleeves.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The 797 Basil Cardigan incorporates fundamental knitting stitches suitable for an advanced beginner skill level:

• Ribbing: The collar begins with a k2, p2 ribbing pattern created by alternating knit and purl stitches. This elastic ribbing provides structure and helps the neckline maintain its shape.
• Stockinette Stitch: The main body of the cardigan is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric texture. Stockinette is formed by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows.
• Raglan Increases: The pattern uses m1 (make one) increases, specifically knitting into the back of the strand running between needles, to create the characteristic raglan shaping lines that expand from the neckline outward.

Materials and Gauge

The 797 Basil Cardigan is designed to be knit with specific materials to achieve the intended drape and fit:

• Yarn: Valley Yarns Amherst in the Olive colorway, which is 100% Merino Wool. Yardage requirements range from 1,199 yards for the smallest size (11 skeins × 109 yards) up to 2,180 yards for the largest size (20 skeins × 109 yards). Each skein weighs 50 grams.
• Needles: US size 8 (5.00mm) circular needles for the main body and yoke, with double-pointed needles also available for working small circumferences if preferred. Needle size may be adjusted as needed to achieve proper gauge.
• Additional Notions: Four stitch markers are required to mark the raglan increase lines and other key points throughout the pattern.
• Gauge: The pattern is designed to achieve 16 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the cardigan to fit correctly across all finished sizes.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced beginner, making it appropriate for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle seamless construction and raglan shaping. The straightforward stitch patterns and logical top-down construction method provide an excellent introduction to more complex garment knitting without overwhelming newer crafters.