Valley Yarns Fritillary Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Fritillary Knit Top

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Fritillary is a charming knitted tee designed by Julie Turjoman, crafted as an ideal warm-weather staple for spring and casual wear. This intermediate-level knitting project features a refined upper body with mesh lace detailing, creating a breathable and elegant garment. The design is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with finished bust measurements from 34 inches to 66 inches. The tee is shown in size S with mesh lace featured on the upper body only, and is designed to be worn with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease for comfortable movement.

Techniques Used

This knit top employs several key techniques that make it suitable for advanced beginners looking to expand their skillset. The garment is worked flat in two separate pieces—a back and front—using back-and-forth rows rather than in-the-round construction. Seaming joins these pieces together for a finished look. The design incorporates increase shaping at the upper body to provide ease of movement and a flattering silhouette. Short-row shoulder shaping is utilized to enhance both the drape and fit of the finished piece, a technique that adds sophistication to the garment's construction. The cap sleeves are worked from stitches cast on at the underarms, making them an integral part of the overall design rather than a separately constructed element.

Stitches Used

The Fritillary incorporates multiple stitch patterns to create visual interest and texture. The foundation of the garment is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. A K1/P1 ribbed cuff begins the piece, providing structure and elasticity at the lower edge. The defining feature of this design is the fine mesh lace pattern that adorns the upper body on both the front and back sections. An eyelet stitch is specifically called out in the gauge requirements, indicating its use within the lace patterning. The pattern also employs M1L (make one left) and M1R (make one right) increases for shaping, demonstrating the use of decorative increase techniques that blend seamlessly into the fabric.

Materials and Yarn

The Fritillary is designed to showcase Valley Yarns Hawley, a premium blended yarn that combines 50% cotton, 30% silk, and 20% nylon/polyamide. This fiber composition creates a luxurious, breathable fabric ideal for warm-weather wear. The yarn is available in 50-gram balls with 135 yards per ball. Yarn requirements range from 5 balls for the smallest size (XS) to 10 balls for the largest size (5XL). The sample shown was knitted in color 08 - Peony. Knitters will need US size 6 (4.00 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 24-inch lengths, or the size required to achieve the specified gauge. Additional materials include stitch markers (including 2 locking stitch markers) and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The stockinette stitch gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when blocked. The eyelet stitch used in the lace sections has a slightly different gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when blocked, reflecting the more open nature of lace patterning. The pattern is graded across nine sizes with bust measurements of 34 (38, 42, 46, 50) (54, 58, 62, 66) inches. The design is intended to be worn with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease; knitters seeking a more snug fit are advised to size down accordingly.