Valley Yarns Inlet Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Inlet Eyelet Sampler Tee

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Inlet is a boxy, drapey summer sweater designed by Julie Turjoman. This two-piece knitted garment functions as both a standalone warm-weather tee and a versatile layering piece for spring and fall seasons. The sweater features a relaxed silhouette with a boatneck neckline and falls to mid-hip length. It is available in sizes XS through 5XL, with the sample shown in Size S. The finished bust measurements range from 36 inches (XS) to 68 inches (5XL), and the piece is designed with 6–8 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, body-skimming fit.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key construction techniques. The garment is worked flat in rows from the hem upward using a bottom-up construction method. The body is knitted back and forth in rows from hem to underarms with no shaping, creating the boxy silhouette. Seamed construction is used to join pieces together. At the underarms, sleeve stitches are cast on directly from each side of the body piece and worked in tandem with the body up to the boatneck shaping. The boatneck and sleeve edgings are worked in the round using the picked-up stitches technique, gathered from the selvage edges. The design incorporates lace patterning and cable elements throughout, with simple eyelet lace motifs separated by rows of garter and stockinette stitch for visual interest and texture variation.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch for the body, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric. Gauge is measured at 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles, blocked.
• Garter Stitch: Used for edgings and as separators between lace pattern repeats, providing structure and a textured finish. Narrow garter stitch bands are worked in the round for the boatneck and sleeve edgings.
• Eyelet Lace: Simple lace motifs are worked in a repeating pattern throughout the body, creating an airy, breathable quality and adding visual panache to the design.
• Cable Stitches: Incorporated as part of the overall stitch pattern to enhance the garment's visual appeal and texture.

Materials and Tools

The Inlet is knitted using Valley Yarns Leverett, a premium yarn blend composed of 70% Pima Cotton and 30% Linen. This fiber content provides wonderful breathability and is ideal for warm-weather wear. Yarn requirements range from 8 hanks (XS) to 18 hanks (5XL), with each hank weighing 50 grams and yielding 109 yards. The sample is shown in Color 09 Navy.

Needles required include US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32–40-inch lengths for the main fabric, and US size 4 (3.50 mm) circular needles in the same lengths for ribbing and edgings. Additional materials include stitch markers to track lace pattern repeats, stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, a cable needle for cable stitch work, and a tapestry needle for seaming and finishing.

Design Features and Versatility

The Inlet's generous positive ease and relaxed silhouette make it an exceptionally versatile garment. It functions as a standalone summer tee when worn alone, and doubles as a layering piece when worn over a tank top or shirt during cooler months. The combination of simple lace motifs and garter stitch edgings adds textural sophistication without overwhelming the design. The cotton and linen blend of Leverett yarn ensures the finished garment maintains excellent drape and breathability, essential qualities for a piece designed to transition across seasons. The piece can be made longer than the standard 16½ inches from hem to underarm if desired, though additional yarn will be required for extended lengths.