Valley Yarns Pellicia Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Pellicia: Knitted Cotton-Bamboo Blend Top

What Is Being Made

The Pellicia is a casual, contemporary knitted top designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. This garment features a V-neck silhouette with shaped construction and ribbed wide shoulder bands. The design combines a relaxed, weekend-ready aesthetic with thoughtful shaping at the waist and bust, creating a stylishly current piece suitable for everyday wear. The finished bust measurements range from 32½ inches (XS) to 64½ inches (5XL), with positive ease of 2–4 inches for a comfortable, wearable fit.

Construction Method and Approach

The Pellicia employs an unusual construction technique that makes the knitting process engaging and straightforward. The body is worked in the round in one piece on circular needles, beginning at the hem and continuing to the underarms. This seamless approach to the main body eliminates much seaming work. The shoulder bands are then worked flat and seamed to the front and back body pieces to create the distinctive V-neck opening at both front and back. The reverse stockinette stitch sections between the shoulder band's ribbed pattern are increased gradually from below the shoulder down to the front shoulder band's edge, where short-row shaping at the armhole edge enhances fit and provides extra coverage at the underarms. The hem features a slip-stitched construction, matching the pattern used in the shoulder bands for design cohesion.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Pellicia incorporates several key stitch patterns to create its structure and visual interest:

• Stockinette stitch forms the main body of the garment, worked on US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles at a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when blocked.
• Slip stitch rib pattern is used for both the hem and the shoulder bands, creating a textured, elastic edge. This pattern is worked on US size 5 (3.75 mm) needles at a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches when blocked.
• Reverse stockinette stitch sections are strategically placed between the shoulder band's ribbed pattern and increase gradually to shape the V-neck and enhance underarm coverage.
• Garter stitch appears at both the inner and outer edges of the shoulder bands, creating neat hem edges for both the bands and the V-neck opening.

Yarn and Materials

The Pellicia is designed to showcase Valley Yarns Southwick, a cool and breathable cotton-bamboo blend composed of 52% Pima Cotton and 48% Bamboo. This fiber combination makes the finished garment ideal for warm-weather wear and weekend activities. The sample shown is knitted in color 20 Soft Grape. Yarn requirements range from 6 balls (XS) to 11 balls (4XL and 5XL), with each ball containing 50 grams and 105 yards.

Needles and Equipment

The pattern requires two sizes of circular needles: US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles in 16-inch and 32–40 inch lengths for the main body worked in stockinette stitch, and US size 5 (3.75 mm) needles in 16-inch and 32–40 inch lengths for the ribbed sections. Additional materials include stitch markers (including 4 locking stitch markers for tracking shaping), and a tapestry needle for seaming the shoulder bands and weaving in ends.

Skill Level and Design Notes

The Pellicia is rated as Adventurous Beginner level, making it accessible to knitters with some foundational experience while offering interesting construction techniques to expand their skills. The pattern includes waist and bust shaping worked seamlessly in the round, which provides visual interest and a flattering silhouette. The V-neck depth can be adjusted during the seaming process, allowing customization to individual preference. The combination of in-the-round body knitting with flat shoulder band construction and strategic short-row shaping demonstrates intermediate-level design thinking while remaining manageable for the target skill level.