Valley Yarns Cierzo Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Cierzo Pullover Sweater

What is Being Made

The Cierzo is a stylish pullover sweater designed by Susan Baron, featuring a distinctive split cable V-neck construction. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a flattering, luxuriously comfortable garment that fits with negative ease, allowing the ribbed fabric to stretch and conform to the body for an elegant silhouette. The pullover is available in nine size options ranging from extra-small through 5XL, with finished bust measurements from 30¾ inches to 61½ inches.

Techniques Used

The Cierzo employs a combination of knitting techniques to achieve its sophisticated design. The garment is worked flat in sections that are later seamed together, while portions are also worked in the round using circular needles. The construction follows a bottom-up approach, beginning at the lower edge and progressing upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The signature design element—the split cable V-neck—requires careful shaping to create the unique neck opening that extends down the front of the sweater.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Cierzo is K2/P2 Rib, a classic two-stitch knit and purl alternating pattern that creates vertical columns of texture and provides excellent stretch and recovery. This ribbed fabric is essential to the garment's design, as it allows the negative-ease fit to work effectively, hugging the body while remaining comfortable. Cable stitches feature prominently in the V-neck design, creating the split cable detail that distinguishes this pullover. Additional techniques include decreases (knit 2 together and slip-slip-knit) for shaping the neckline and armholes, and Kitchener Stitch for grafting seams with an invisible finish.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Cierzo is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Westfield, a sumptuous blend of 60% extra fine merino wool, 20% yak, and 20% silk. This luxurious fiber combination provides exceptional softness and drape while maintaining the structure needed for cable work. The yarn is fingering weight, with each 50-gram ball yielding 120 yards. Yarn requirements range from 9 balls for the smallest size (XS) to 24 balls for the largest size (5XL), depending on the finished bust measurement selected.

Needles required include US 6 (4mm) circular needles in both 32-inch and 40-inch lengths for working in the round and flat sections, sized to achieve the specified gauge. An additional US 6 needle is needed for the Kitchener Stitch grafting technique. The pattern also calls for a cable needle for manipulating stitches during cable crossings, stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and shaping points, stitch holders or waste yarn for temporarily holding stitches, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 25 stitches and 30 rounds measured over 4 inches in K2/P2 Rib, blocked and gently stretched. Achieving accurate gauge is critical for this project, as the negative-ease fit depends on the ribbed fabric stretching appropriately to conform to the wearer's body. The garment is intentionally designed to fit with 0 to 2 inches of negative ease, meaning the finished bust measurement will be slightly smaller than the wearer's actual bust measurement. This design choice creates a flattering, fitted silhouette while maintaining comfort through the elasticity of the ribbed knit fabric.