Valley Yarns Icecap Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Icecap Knitted Turtleneck Sweater

Project Overview

The Icecap is an updated turtleneck pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman, crafted to provide a cozy winter garment with modern appeal. This knitting pattern is ideal for those seeking a quick-to-complete project in a luxurious fiber blend. The sweater features an easy, modern cable motif that showcases beautifully in bulky yarn, making it an excellent choice for newer knitters despite its intermediate classification.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn: Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky, a super-soft blend of 85% Merino Wool and 15% Baby Alpaca. Each skein contains 100 grams and 108 yards. The sample shown uses Light Gray Heather colorway.

Yardage Requirements: 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) (14, 15, 16) skeins, depending on size selection from XS through 4XL.

Needles and Tools: US size 10 (6.00 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 29 to 40-inch lengths, plus double-pointed needles (dpn) or size needed to achieve proper gauge. Additional materials include a cable needle, stitch markers, locking stitch markers, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Sizing and Fit

The Icecap is available in eight size ranges: XS (S, M, L, XL) (2XL, 3XL, 4XL). Finished bust measurements span from 36 inches in the smallest size to 64 inches in the largest, accommodating a wide range of body types. The pattern is designed to fit with 4 to 6 inches of positive ease, creating a comfortable, relaxed silhouette ideal for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Gauge and Construction Techniques

Gauge: 12 stitches and 16 rows equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch when blocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

The Icecap employs multiple construction techniques to create a well-finished garment. The sweater is worked in the round using circular needles, which eliminates the need for seaming on the body and allows for seamless construction. The pattern also includes cable techniques that create the signature modern motif throughout the design. A ribbed hem is established at the cast-on edge, beginning with a set-up round of knit and purl stitches that creates the foundation for the pattern.

Stitch Techniques and Pattern Details

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches and techniques suited to intermediate-level crafters. Key abbreviations and techniques include:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P): Basic stitches forming the foundation of the stockinette and ribbed sections
• Cable needle (Cn): Used to create crossed stitches that form the cable motif
• Decreases: K2tog (knit 2 together) and Ssk (slip, slip, knit) for shaping
• Increases: Kfbf (knit in front, back, and front of next stitch) for adding stitches
• Stitch markers (M): Placed to indicate beginning of round and side seams for easy tracking during construction
• Wrap and turn (W&T): Short-row shaping technique for tailored fit

Pattern Construction Method

The Icecap begins with a ribbed hem worked in the round. The set-up round establishes the pattern with alternating knit and purl stitches, with markers placed strategically to indicate the side seams. The ribbed hem continues for 2 inches from the cast-on edge, creating an elastic cuff that sits comfortably against the body. The pattern notes that two extra stitches are worked as increases during the cable set-up round to prevent rippling in the finished fabric—a thoughtful design detail that demonstrates attention to garment quality.

Skill Level and Project Suitability

Classified as an Advanced Beginner project, the Icecap is described as a terrific first sweater for newer knitters. The bulky yarn weight allows the sweater to work up quickly, providing nearly instant gratification for crafters completing their initial garment projects