Valley Yarns Longboat Key - KE Gulf Coast Collection Pattern

Valley Yarns Longboat Key - KE Gulf Coast Collection

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Longboat Key is a boxy, drapey cap sleeve V-neck tee designed by Julie Turjoman as part of the Gulf Coast Collection. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a versatile summer garment that functions as both a standalone piece and a layering top for spring and fall seasons. The sweater features a relaxed silhouette with generous positive ease (3-5 inches) that provides a body-skimming fit without clinging. Available in sizes XS through 4XL, the finished bust measurements range from 35¼ inches to 61¾ inches, with consistent length from hem to underarm of 15-17 inches depending on size.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several intermediate techniques to achieve its distinctive aesthetic and structure. The garment is worked flat in four separate pieces—divided into Left and Right Fronts and Left and Right Backs—which are later seamed together. The construction method is bottom-up, meaning knitting begins at the hem and progresses upward toward the shoulders and neckline.

The design incorporates A-Line decrease shaping worked into the body pieces to create the characteristic silhouette. Short-row shoulder shaping is strategically used to add drape to the cap sleeves, a technique that creates subtle shaping without traditional armhole decreases. Decorative elements include visible vertical center seams that serve as design features rather than purely functional joinings. Narrow reverse stockinette rolled hems appear below the ribbing at the bottom edge, sleeve edges, and neckline, creating textural contrast and a refined finish.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Longboat Key is stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric surface ideal for showcasing the yarn's breathable qualities. Ribbing appears at the neckline, cuffs, and hem for structure and recovery. Reverse stockinette stitch is used specifically for the decorative rolled hems, creating a subtle visual distinction. Standard decreases including knit two together (k2tog) are incorporated for the A-Line shaping. The pattern includes a long-tail cast-on method for the initial stitches, with video tutorial reference provided in the original pattern documentation.

Materials and Yarn

The Longboat Key is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Leverett, a premium yarn blend consisting of 70% Pima Cotton and 30% Linen. This fiber composition provides exceptional breathability and moisture-wicking properties, making it ideal for warm-weather garments. Leverett is available in 50-gram hanks with 109 yards per hank. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in White (color 02).

Yarn requirements vary by size: XS and S sizes require 7 hanks, M requires 8 hanks, L requires 9 hanks, XL requires 10 hanks, 2XL requires 12 hanks, 3XL requires 13 hanks, and 4XL requires 14 hanks. The pattern notes that the piece can be made longer if desired, though additional yarn beyond the stated quantities will be required for extended length.

Needles and Tools

Construction of the Longboat Key requires US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 24-32 inch lengths, along with double-pointed needles (dpns) of the same size. A size E crochet hook is also needed for finishing details. Knitters should use the needle size that achieves the specified gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows equaling 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles when blocked.

Additional materials required include stitch markers (with at least 4 locking stitch markers recommended for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points), stitch holders or waste yarn for temporarily securing stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming the four pieces together and weaving in ends.

Skill Level and Gauge

The Longboat Key is rated as an Intermediate skill level project, appropriate for knitters with foundational knowledge of basic stitches and techniques who are ready to tackle multi-piece construction, shaping methods, and seaming. The critical gauge measurement is 20 stitches and 28 rows equals 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles, blocked. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished