Valley Yarns Bartlett Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Bartlett Sleeveless V-Neck Tunic

What Is Being Made

The Bartlett is a sleeveless V-neck tunic designed by Julie Turjoman, created as a casual cool-weather layering piece ideal for weekend activities. This garment features a relaxed fit with practical pockets and A-line shaping that flatters the silhouette. The tunic is worked in two separate pieces from the bottom up, then seamed together at the shoulders, making it an accessible project for knitters developing intermediate skills.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs a bottom-up construction method, where the front and back pieces are knitted separately from the hem upward before being joined. The garment is worked flat using circular needles in back-and-forth rows rather than in the round, which is a fundamental technique for creating shaped garments. Seaming is used to join the shoulder seams, requiring basic finishing skills. The design incorporates A-line shaping through strategic increases and decreases to create the relaxed, flattering silhouette. Additional techniques include working ribbed edgings for the V-neck and armholes using smaller needles to create neat, finished edges.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is Seeded Rib, a textured knit-purl combination stitch that creates clean vertical lines throughout the garment. This stitch pattern is both visually interesting and flattering, as the vertical lines elongate the wearer's frame. The ribbed edgings at the V-neck and armholes use standard rib stitch to provide structure and elasticity. The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting abbreviations and techniques including knit (K), purl, knit two together (K2tog) for decreases, and knit front and back (Kfb) for increases to shape the garment.

Materials and Yarn

The Bartlett is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Westfield, a luxurious blend of 60% fine merino wool, 20% yak, and 20% silk. This fiber combination creates a sumptuous, warm, and breathable fabric ideal for layering during cooler seasons. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 8 balls for the smallest size (XS) to 18 balls for the largest size (5XL), with each ball containing 50 grams and 120 yards. The main color used is Graphite (color 113), with a single ball of Teal (color 120) for contrast accents.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern requires US size 6 (4 mm) circular needles measuring 32 to 40 inches for the main fabric, which should be sized to achieve the correct gauge. US size 4 (3.50 mm) circular needles in 16-inch and 24-inch lengths are used for the ribbed edgings at the V-neck and armholes. The target gauge is 22 stitches and 30 rows per 4 inches in Seeded Rib stitch using the larger needles on blocked fabric. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

Finished Measurements and Sizing

The Bartlett is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL. Finished bust measurements range from 33 inches in the smallest size to 66 inches in the largest size. The garment is designed to fit with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit. Hip measurements are also provided for each size to accommodate the A-line shaping. Knitters who prefer a closer fit are advised to work one size smaller than their typical size.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Adventurous Beginner, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle projects with shaping, multiple pieces, and finishing techniques like seaming. The pattern requires understanding of increases and decreases, working with circular needles in flat construction, and basic garment assembly skills.