798 Illi Cardigan - Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Berkshire

798 Illi Cardigan – Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Berkshire

The 798 Illi Cardigan, designed by Kirsten Hipsky, is a long, roomy women's cardigan knitted in the cozy Valley Yarns Berkshire yarn. Described in the pattern as a jacket-style cardigan, it is designed to be your go-to outerwear for crisp fall afternoons, featuring roomy patch pockets and a relaxed, generous silhouette. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is rated advanced beginner, making it an excellent project for knitters who have mastered the basics and are ready to tackle a full garment with simple shaping and seaming.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a long women's cardigan worked in a classic, structured style. The finished garment features:

• A long body length of 28 inches or adjusted to desired length
• Two patch pockets, each worked separately and measuring 8 inches in length
• Set-in or shaped armholes with depths ranging from 7½ to 10½ inches depending on size
• A seamed construction, meaning the pieces are worked flat and then joined together for a polished, structured finish

The cardigan is offered in seven sizes: 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, and 60 inches finished bust measurement. The sample shown in the pattern photography is knitted in size 36 inches.

Techniques Used

This pattern uses flat knitting (also called working flat), meaning each piece — the back, fronts, sleeves, and pockets — is worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round. The finished pieces are then seamed together, a traditional construction method that results in a sturdy, well-shaped garment with clean edges. Seaming is typically done using techniques such as mattress stitch or backstitch, and it is one of the skills that elevates a knitter from beginner to confident garment maker.

The patch pockets are worked as separate flat pieces — cast on 24 stitches and worked in Garter Rib for 8 inches before binding off — and are then attached to the fronts of the cardigan. This is a beginner-friendly pocket construction that adds both function and visual interest without requiring complex shaping or picked-up stitches.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern throughout the entire cardigan is Garter Rib, a simple four-stitch repeat that combines the texture of garter stitch with the vertical definition of ribbing. The stitch pattern is worked as follows:

• Row 1 (Wrong Side): *K1, p2, k1; repeat from *
• Row 2 (Right Side): Knit across

This two-row repeat creates a fabric that is stretchy, textured, and visually appealing on both sides, making it ideal for a cardigan that will be worn open as outerwear. Garter Rib lies flat without curling, which is a practical advantage for front bands and pocket tops. The stitches used in this pattern include the knit stitch (K) and the purl stitch (P), keeping the technical demands accessible for advanced beginner knitters.

Gauge

The pattern calls for a gauge of 16 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in Garter Rib. Achieving the correct gauge is especially important for a garment of this size, as even a small deviation can result in a significantly different finished measurement across the full width of the cardigan.

Materials – Yarn and Needles

The pattern is written specifically for Valley Yarns Berkshire, a worsted weight yarn with a fiber content of 85% wool and 15% alpaca. Each skein contains 100 grams and 141 yards. The alpaca content gives the yarn a soft halo and luxurious warmth, while the wool provides structure and durability — a combination well suited to a substantial outerwear cardigan.

The sample garment was kn