290 Selene Striped Cardigan - Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Superwash DK

290 Selene Striped Cardigan - Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

The 290 Selene Striped Cardigan is a women's cardigan knitting pattern designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This intermediate-level project features a classic striped colorwork design worked in Valley Yarns Superwash DK yarn. The cardigan is available in five finished sizes ranging from 36" to 52" to accommodate various body measurements.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a complete cardigan sweater for women, featuring a button-front closure and set-in sleeves. The design includes a striped pattern that runs throughout the body and sleeves, combining multiple coordinating colors for visual interest. The cardigan is constructed with a structured fit suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Selene Striped Cardigan is worked flat using a bottom-up construction method, meaning you begin knitting from the lower edge and work upward toward the shoulders. The garment pieces are seamed together after individual components are completed, creating clean, finished seams. The striped colorwork technique is incorporated throughout, adding visual depth and complexity to the design.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Ribbing: The pattern begins with k1, p1 (knit one, purl one) ribbing worked for 2 inches at the cuffs and lower edges, creating an elastic, fitted finish that helps the garment hold its shape
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a defined right side and textured wrong side
• Striping: Color changes are worked in stockinette stitch to create horizontal stripes using multiple yarn colors

Sleeve Construction Details

The sleeves are worked in the round or flat with strategic increases to create proper sleeve cap shaping. Sleeves begin with 44 to 52 stitches depending on size, cast on with Color A. After the initial 2-inch ribbing, the sleeve is worked in stockinette stitch with increases worked at the beginning and end of rows at varying intervals—every 8th row, then every 6th row, then every 4th row depending on the size—to achieve the correct sleeve circumference. The sleeve cap is shaped through strategic bind-offs and decreases that taper the sleeve head to fit smoothly into the armhole.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is designed for Valley Yarns Superwash DK, a worsted-weight yarn composed of 100% superwash merino fiber. Each skein contains 137 yards and weighs 50 grams. The yardage requirements vary by size:

• 8 skeins of Color A (03 Black)
• 1 skein of Color B (15 Teal)
• 1 skein of Color C (14 Lt. Teal)
• 1 skein of Color D (02 Gray)

The superwash merino fiber provides durability and easy care, as it can be machine washed, making this cardigan practical for regular wear.

Needles and Tools

While specific needle sizes are not detailed in the provided content, DK weight yarn typically requires US size 4-6 needles. Knitters will also need standard finishing tools including stitch markers, a tapestry needle for seaming, and measuring devices to ensure proper gauge and fit.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex construction techniques. The combination of multiple colors, seaming, and fitted sleeve cap shaping requires attention to detail and experience with garment assembly.