Valley Yarns Clearwater - KE Gulf Coast Collection Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Clearwater - KE Gulf Coast Collection

Project Overview

The Clearwater is a beginner-friendly knitted summer top designed by Julie Turjoman, part of Valley Yarns' Gulf Coast Collection. This elbow-length sleeved, scoop neck tee combines a relaxed, boxy silhouette with fitted sleeves and structured seed stitch hems for a flattering, breathable warm-weather garment. The generous positive ease of 6" to 8" creates a comfortable, laid-back fit that contrasts beautifully with the more tailored sleeve shaping.

What Is Being Made

The Clearwater is a short-sleeved to elbow-length pullover tee with a scoop neckline, designed for warm-weather wear. Available in sizes XS through 4XL, the finished bust measurements range from 37½" to 65½", with lengths from 15" to 17" from hem to underarm. The piece can be customized for additional length if desired, though extra yarn will be required. The design features a relaxed, boxy body paired with fitted elbow-length sleeves and deep split seed stitch hems at the bottom, sleeve edges, and neckline.

Techniques Used

The Clearwater employs several key construction techniques to achieve its structured yet comfortable fit:

• Seamed Construction: The tee is worked in separate pieces and then seamed together, which adds structural integrity and helps maintain the garment's shape during wear and washing.
• Worked Flat: The body and back pieces are knitted flat on circular needles, allowing for easier shaping and piece-by-piece construction.
• Worked in the Round: The elbow-length sleeves are worked down in the round from stitches picked up around the armholes, creating seamless, tubular sleeves.
• Short-Row Shaping: Strategic short-row shaping enhances the fit at the drop shoulders, creating a more tailored shoulder line and improved garment drape.
• Picked-Up Stitches: Stitches are picked up around the armholes to begin sleeve construction, eliminating the need for separate sleeve cap shaping.

Stitches Used

The Clearwater utilizes fundamental knitting stitches suitable for a beginner skill level:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric with excellent drape ideal for summer wear.
• Seed Stitch: Used for the deep split hems at the bottom edge, sleeve cuffs, and scoop neckline, providing textural contrast and helping edges lay flat without rolling.

Materials and Yarn

The Clearwater calls for Valley Yarns Westhampton, a 100% Pima cotton yarn in the colorway Honeydew (16). Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 7 balls for the smallest size (XS) to 16 balls for the largest size (4XL). Each ball contains 50 grams and 109 yards, providing approximately 763 to 1,744 yards total depending on size. Pima cotton offers exceptional softness and breathability, making it an ideal choice for a summer tee that maintains its shape and comfort through repeated wear and washing.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires two sets of circular needles in different sizes to achieve proper gauge and accommodate the various construction stages:

• Larger Needles (US size 7 / 4.5 mm): 16", 32" circular needles and double-pointed needles for working the main body and sleeves at gauge.
• Smaller Needles (US size 6 / 4.0 mm): 16", 24", and 32" circular needles and double-pointed needles for working the seed stitch hems and ribbing at a tighter gauge.

Additional tools include stitch markers (including 4 locking stitch markers for marking key shaping points), stitch holders for managing live stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles, measured after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly given the generous positive ease built into the design.