Valley Yarns Longwing Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Longwing Knitted Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Longwing is an advanced-level knitted sweater top designed by Susan Baron. This figure-skimming garment features a distinctive two-sided colorwork design, making it a reversible piece suitable for three-season wear. The sweater pairs well with casual wear like jeans or more formal options such as dress slacks and skirts. Available in sizes XS through 4XL, with the sample shown in Size S, the Longwing offers finished bust measurements ranging from 32½ inches to 63 inches with 1 to 2 inches of positive ease for a comfortable fit.

Techniques Used

The Longwing employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques that create its signature reversible aesthetic. The garment is worked flat in separate pieces rather than in the round, allowing for precise control over the two-color construction. Stranded colorwork is featured prominently in the center of the front panel, creating visual interest and tying the design together. The finished pieces are then seamed together to assemble the complete sweater. This construction method—working in pieces and seaming—allows each side of the garment to showcase its own color story while maintaining structural integrity.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch throughout the Longwing is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for showcasing colorwork and providing a refined drape. Reverse stockinette stitch is used strategically at functional edges including the hem, cuffs, and neckline, adding textural definition and helping these areas maintain their shape. The stranded colorwork motif in the center front is integrated seamlessly into the stockinette background, creating a balanced visual composition.

Construction Details

The sweater's unique two-sided design is achieved through a thoughtful color placement strategy. The Front panel is worked with one side in Color B and the other side in Color A, with the stranded colorwork motif positioned in the center. The Back is also worked in two colors but without a center motif. When the pieces are assembled, one complete side of the finished top (combining both Front and Back sections) appears in Color A, while the opposite side displays Color B. The three-quarter length sleeves are worked separately in individual colors and set-in to match their corresponding sides of the garment body, completing the reversible effect.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Longwing is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Southwick, a blend of 52% Pima Cotton and 48% Bamboo. This fiber composition creates a breathable, lustrous fabric with excellent drape—ideal for a three-season garment. The pattern calls for two colors of Southwick: Classic Navy (Color A) and Winter Lake (Color B). Yarn requirements range from 5 balls per color for smaller sizes (XS, S, M) to 9 balls per color for the largest sizes (3XL, 4XL), with each ball containing 50 grams and 92 yards.

The pattern specifies US size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 24-40 inch lengths, or the size needed to achieve the correct gauge. Additional materials include stitch markers, stitch holders, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked, ensuring proper fit and garment proportions.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

The Longwing is rated as an Experienceddownloadable PDF, allowing crafters to access and reference the instructions digitally. The experienced rating reflects the combination of techniques required: managing two colors simultaneously, working stranded colorwork, constructing garments in pieces, and executing set-in sleeves with precision.