Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Quince Turtleneck Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Quince Turtleneck

What is Being Made

The Quince Turtleneck is a classic knitted sweater featuring a fitted silhouette with a distinctive turtleneck collar. Designed by Teresa Chorzepa, this garment is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 34½ inches (87.5 cm) to 56 inches (142 cm) and lengths between 21½ and 25 inches (54.5 to 63.5 cm). The turtleneck design provides a sophisticated, versatile piece suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone garment.

Construction Techniques

This sweater is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach worked flat, meaning the pieces are knitted individually from the bottom edge upward and then sewn together. The sleeves are shaped with strategic increases along the sides to create proper armhole fit, while the sleeve caps feature progressive bind-offs and decreases to achieve a smooth, tailored cap shaping. The turtleneck itself is worked on a circular needle after the body and sleeves are joined, allowing for seamless ribbed construction in the round.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Quince Turtleneck is Tunisian Rib, which creates a textured, elastic fabric with excellent drape and recovery. This stitch pattern is worked over a multiple of 2 stitches and combines knit and purl stitches in alternating fashion. The pattern also employs K1, P1 rib for the turtleneck collar, providing a classic, stretchy finish that hugs the neckline comfortably. Standard decreasing techniques include K2tog (knit 2 together) for right-leaning decreases and ssk (slip, slip, knit) for left-leaning decreases, allowing for balanced shaping throughout the garment.

Materials and Gauge

The Quince Turtleneck is designed to be knitted with Stacy Charles Fine Yarns NINA, a premium blend of 77% linen and 23% cotton. This fiber composition creates a lightweight, breathable fabric ideal for warm-weather wear. The pattern requires 8 to 13 balls of yarn depending on size, with each ball containing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and 136 yards (125 meters) of yarn. The recommended color is #13 bordeaux, though the pattern can be adapted to other colorways. Construction requires size 4 (3.5mm) needles for the main body pieces and a size 4 (3.5mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 cm) for working the turtleneck in the round. The gauge is 17½ stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Tunisian Rib, making accurate gauge checking essential before beginning the project. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for seaming the finished pieces together.