Valley Yarns Viceroy Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Viceroy Sleeveless Tunic

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Viceroy is a versatile sleeveless tunic sweater designed by Julie Turjoman. This intermediate-level knitting project features a flattering V-neck and A-line silhouette created through strategic decrease shaping at the sides. The tunic is designed to be worn over a t-shirt or as a standalone piece, with finished bust measurements ranging from 34 inches (XS) to 66 inches (5XL) and hip measurements from 38 inches to 70 inches. The garment sits at low hip length and is constructed to fit with 2–4 inches of positive ease at the bust and 4–6 inches of positive ease over the hips.

Techniques Used

The Viceroy employs multiple knitting techniques to achieve its elegant construction and flattering fit. The body is worked in the round from the hem to the underarms using circular needles, allowing for seamless A-line decrease shaping integrated into the side sections. Once the armholes are reached, the piece transitions to worked flat (back and forth in rows) from the armholes to the shoulders. Short-row shaping is strategically applied at the shoulders to improve the overall fit and drape of the finished tunic. This combination of circular and flat construction, along with the short-row technique, demonstrates the intermediate skill level required for this project.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern featured in the Viceroy is the Twist Rib stitch, which serves as the focal point of the design and emphasizes the garment's vertical orientation. The Twist Rib is worked on the front and back panels between stitch markers according to either charted instructions or written directions, depending on the knitter's preference. Complementing this textured stitch, the side sections are worked in reverse stockinette stitch, which creates a subtle visual distinction and frames the central Twist Rib pattern. The combination of these stitches—the dimensional Twist Rib paired with the smooth reverse stockinette—creates appealing visual contrast while the vertical orientation of the Twist Rib flatters the wearer's silhouette.

Materials and Yarn

The Viceroy pattern calls for Valley Yarns Leverett, a premium cotton-linen blend yarn composed of 70% Pima Cotton and 30% Linen. This fiber content is specifically chosen to offer crisp stitch definition, beautiful drape, and breathability—qualities that make the tunic suitable for warm-weather wear. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 7 hanks (XS) to 15 hanks (5XL), with each hank providing 109 yards at 50 grams. The sample shown in the pattern is knit in the Stone colorway.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two sizes of circular needles to achieve proper gauge and construction. US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32–40-inch lengths are used for the main body knitting, while US size 4 (3.50 mm) circular needles in the same lengths are used for ribbed edgings or other sections requiring a tighter gauge. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles, measured after blocking. Additional notions include 2 stitch markers in a unique color (to distinguish them from working markers), stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming if necessary.

Construction Overview

The Viceroy is constructed using a bottom-up approach, beginning at the hem and progressing upward toward the shoulders. The body is initiated using the Long-Tail cast-on method and worked in the round with the Twist Rib stitch pattern centered on the front and back, while reverse stockinette stitch side sections (marked with stitch markers) accommodate the A-line shaping. As the piece is worked upward, decreases are strategically placed within the side sections to create the tapered, flattering silhouette. Once the armholes are reached, the knitter divides the work and continues in rows worked flat, allowing for easier manipulation of the smaller circumference. Short-row shaping is then applied at the shoulders to enhance fit and create improved drape across the upper body. This methodical construction ensures that the vertical emphasis of the Twist Rib stitch remains prominent throughout the finished garment.