Valley Yarns Loch Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Loch: Unisex Fair Isle Pullover

What is Being Made

The Loch is an unisex Fair Isle pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman. This intermediate-level knitting project features carefully positioned stranded colorwork motifs on the upper sleeves and lower chest, making it an achievable Fair Isle design for knitters with some experience. The finished sweater is available in sizes XS through 5XL, with finished chest measurements ranging from 35 inches to 69¾ inches, designed to fit with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease for comfortable layering.

Construction Techniques

The Loch is worked using a bottom-up construction method combined with in-the-round knitting. The sweater begins at the lower body and is worked circularly, allowing the stranded colorwork to be completed in the round before the piece is divided at the underarms. After division, the front and back are worked separately to the shoulders. This hybrid approach combines the benefits of circular knitting for the colorwork sections with flat knitting for the upper body shaping.

Long set-in sleeves are knitted separately from cuff to shoulder with increase shaping worked in the same stitch texture as the body, then sewn into the armholes for a tailored fit. A ribbed neckband is picked up from the neckline and worked in the round to complete the sweater. This construction method allows for precise shaping while maintaining stitch consistency throughout the garment.

Stitches and Colorwork

The primary stitch used throughout the Loch is stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth, classic fabric base. The stranded colorwork sections employ Fair Isle technique, a traditional method of working with two colors in a single row to create intricate patterns. The colorwork is strategically limited to the upper sleeves and lower chest, reducing the complexity for less experienced colorwork knitters while maintaining visual interest and sophistication.

The neckband and cuff ribbing use a ribbed stitch pattern for elasticity and a finished appearance. Gauge for the stockinette sections is 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when blocked. The stranded colorwork sections are worked at a slightly larger gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches to accommodate the two-color technique, which naturally creates a denser fabric.

Materials and Yarn

The Loch is designed to be knitted with Valley Yarns Northfield, a premium blend composed of 70% Merino Wool, 20% Baby Alpaca, and 10% Silk. This sophisticated fiber combination provides warmth, softness, and a subtle sheen. The yarn comes in 50-gram balls with 124 yards per ball. The main color is Black (Color 15), requiring 10 to 17 balls depending on size. The contrast color is Light Gray, requiring 2 to 3 balls for the stranded colorwork details.

Knitting needles required include US size 6 (4.00mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32 to 40-inch lengths, plus double-pointed needles for smaller circumferences. US size 7 (4.50mm) needles in the same configurations are used for the stranded colorwork sections if necessary to achieve proper gauge. US size 5 (3.75mm) needles are used for the ribbed cuff and neckband. Additional materials include stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming the sleeves and weaving in ends.

Skill Level and Design Features

Rated as an intermediate-level project, the Loch is suitable for knitters who have experience with basic techniques and are ready to explore stranded colorwork. The strategic placement of Fair Isle motifs—limited to the upper sleeves and lower chest rather than covering the entire yoke—makes this an excellent introduction to two-color knitting without overwhelming complexity. The sophisticated neutral palette of black and light gray ensures versatility for a capsule wardrobe while allowing the beautiful wool, alpaca, and silk blend to shine.

Pattern Details: Pattern #1117, designed for Valley Yarns by Julie Turjoman. The sweater is shown in Size M and fits with positive ease to allow for comfortable layering over other garments. The combination of classic Fair Isle colorwork, quality fiber content, and thoughtful construction makes the Loch suitable as both a personal knitting project and a special handmade gift.