1199 Equuleus - Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Westfield

Pattern 1199 Equuleus: A Lace-Trimmed Women's Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Julie Turjoman

The Valley Yarns pattern #1199 Equuleus, designed by Julie Turjoman, is an intermediate-level knitting pattern for a women's cropped cardigan featuring elegant lace front edges, a scoop neckline, and elbow-length sleeves. The design is named Equuleus and is part of the Valley Yarns pattern collection, published in 2022. This downloadable PDF pattern delivers a warm-weather layering piece that skims the figure beautifully, working equally well over jeans or a sundress. The finished cardigan is shown in Color 113 Teal.

What Is Being Made

Equuleus is a cropped women's cardigan with a flattering scoop neck, elbow-length sleeves, and a button front closure. The garment is designed with a fitted-to-relaxed silhouette, offering 2 to 4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, figure-skimming fit. Knitters who prefer a closer fit are advised to work one size smaller than their usual measurement. The cardigan is available in eight sizes:

• XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, and 4XL
• Finished bust measurements range from 33 inches (XS) to 61¼ inches (4XL), buttoned
• The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in Size XS

The front button bands and scoop neckline are finished with picked-up stitches, and the cardigan closes with 8 buttons (sizes XS through XL) or 9 buttons (sizes 2XL through 4XL), each measuring ½ inch in diameter.

Construction Techniques

This pattern uses a classic seamed, worked-flat, bottom-up construction method, meaning each piece of the cardigan — the back, the two fronts, and the sleeves — is knitted separately in rows and then assembled. This approach gives the finished garment added structure and a clean, tailored appearance. Key construction details include:

• Bottom-up construction: The body pieces begin at the lower hem and are worked upward toward the shoulders, a traditional method that allows knitters to try on the garment as they go and adjust length easily.
• Short-row shoulder shaping: The shoulders are shaped using short rows rather than standard bind-off steps, which creates a smoother, more elegant shoulder line with enhanced drape.
• Seamed assembly: The fronts and back are joined at the shoulders and seamed along the sides, providing structural integrity and a polished, garment-like finish.
• Picked-up front bands and neckline: After the body is assembled, stitches are picked up along both front edges and around the scoop neckline to create the button bands and neck finishing in one continuous process.
• Sleeves worked downward from the armhole: The elbow-length sleeves are knitted after the front and neck bands are complete. They are worked from the armhole downward with narrow decrease shaping, finishing in ribbed cuffs. Working the sleeves last, after the bands, helps reduce bulk at the armhole join.

Lace Techniques and Stitch Patterns

The defining design feature of Equuleus is its lace stitch pattern running along the front edges of the cardigan, showcasing the natural sheen and drape of the yarn. The lace is worked flat in rows as part of the front pieces, making it accessible to intermediate knitters comfortable with reading lace charts or written lace instructions. Key stitch details include:

• Lace stitch pattern: Used along the front edges; one repeat of the lace pattern measures 2½ inches wide by 2⅛ inches high, creating a delicate, repeating motif that frames the button band beautifully.
• Stockinette stitch: Used for the main body of the cardigan, providing a smooth, classic fabric that contrasts elegantly with the lace panels.
• Ribbed cuffs: The sleeves end in ribbing, adding a neat, fitted finish at the elbow-length hem.
• Selvage stitches: Included throughout the flat pieces to facilitate clean