1028 Bradstreet - Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Amherst

1028 Bradstreet Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Garment Overview

The 1028 Bradstreet is a classic scoop neck cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. This mid-thigh length cardigan features a soft, body-skimming drape and is designed as an excellent first sweater project for newer knitters. The cardigan buttons from neckline to waist, which enhances the elegant drape of the open lower half. Optional patch pockets add practical detail, while an allover check stitch texture creates visual interest and stitch definition throughout the garment.

Construction Techniques

The Bradstreet cardigan is worked using a bottom-up construction method, meaning pieces are knitted from the lower edge upward. The garment is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing for seamed construction. Individual pieces are completed separately and then seamed together to create the finished cardigan. This traditional flat-knit, seamed approach provides excellent stitch definition and makes it ideal for knitters developing their shaping and finishing skills.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch texture featured in the Bradstreet is an allover check stitch pattern. This textured stitch creates visual depth and definition throughout the cardigan body, contributing to the garment's sophisticated appearance. The check stitch pattern is worked consistently across all pieces, creating a cohesive, textured fabric with excellent stitch visibility.

Yarn and Materials

The Bradstreet is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Amherst, a worsted weight yarn composed of 100% Merino Wool. Each skein contains 50 grams and yields 109 yards. The yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 13 skeins for the smallest size (XS) to 22 skeins for the largest size (5XL). Valley Yarns Amherst is described as a workhorse wool that comes together quickly and provides excellent stitch definition, making it particularly suitable for this project.

Needles and Tools

This pattern requires two sizes of circular needles:

• US size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles, 32–40 inches in length, for the main body of the cardigan
• US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles, 32–40 inches in length, for ribbed edgings and finishing details

Needle size should be adjusted as needed to achieve the correct gauge specified in the pattern.

Sizing and Fit

The Bradstreet is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL. Finished bust measurements span from 33 inches (XS) to 68½ inches (5XL), with the pattern shown in Size S. The cardigan is designed to fit with 4–6 inches of positive ease, creating a comfortable, skimming silhouette that flatters all figures without clinging to the body.

Skill Level

Rated as an Adventurous Beginner project, the Bradstreet is ideal for newer knitters ready to tackle their first sweater. The straightforward bottom-up, flat construction combined with the stitch definition provided by Valley Yarns Amherst makes this pattern accessible while offering valuable learning opportunities in garment shaping, seaming, and finishing techniques.