Valley Yarns Nottingham Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Nottingham Knit Pullover Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Nottingham is an elegant scoop neck pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman. This intermediate-level knit features strategically placed sheer elements that create visual interest and sophistication. The design combines sheer and opaque sections, making it versatile enough to wear over a camisole for date night or as a layering piece for cooler evenings. Available in sizes XS through 5XL with finished bust measurements ranging from 35 inches to 66½ inches, this sweater accommodates a wide range of body types.

Techniques Used

The Nottingham employs a combination of knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive aesthetic. The sweater is worked flat in pieces using back-and-forth rows for the body and upper sections, then seamed together for a polished finish. The design incorporates stripes throughout the lower body, alternating between narrow sheer bands and wider opaque sections. The sleeves are worked in the round using double-pointed needles or circular needles, creating seamless cylindrical construction. The construction method is bottom-up, beginning with a cast-on at the hem and progressing upward toward the shoulders and neckline.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch used throughout this design is stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric characteristic of this pullover. The gauge is 20 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch with the two yarns held together. The hem features a doubled construction to provide durability and a professional finish. Stitch markers are used to track pattern repeats and shaping increases or decreases, while a stitch holder or waste yarn manages stitches during the transition between body and sleeve sections.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This design showcases Valley Yarns' premium fiber offerings in a thoughtful color combination. Color A is Valley Yarns Southampton, a luxurious blend of 72% kid mohair and 28% mulberry silk, available in the rich shade 026-Regal. Southampton is used alone for the hem, upper body, and sleeves, and is held together with Color B throughout the striped lower body section. Yardage requirements for Color A range from 920 yards for size XS to 1,840 yards for size 5XL, distributed across 4 to 8 balls of 25-gram skeins.

Color B is Valley Yarns Colrain Lace, a sophisticated blend of 50% merino wool and 50% Tencel in navy. One cone of Colrain Lace provides 1,540 yards, sufficient yardage for all sizes. The merino-Tencel combination in Colrain Lace offers breathability and drape, while the kid mohair-silk Southampton contributes softness and subtle sheen. When held together, these fibers create a fabric described as "soft as a cloud, yet cozy on a cool evening," balancing delicate aesthetics with practical warmth.

Tools and Equipment

Knitters will need US 6 (4mm) needles in multiple formats: a 16-inch circular needle for smaller circumferences and a 32-inch circular needle for larger sections. Double-pointed needles in the same size are required for working the sleeves in the round. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern placement, a stitch holder or waste yarn for managing live stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming pieces together and weaving in yarn ends.

Construction Overview

The Nottingham begins with a stretchy cast-on method such as the Old Norwegian Cast-on, creating a flexible edge that accommodates the sweater's intended positive ease of 1 to 3 inches. The back piece is worked first in stockinette stitch, incorporating the color-work pattern as specified. The striped opaque section extends from the hem to the armhole depth. Once the body reaches the appropriate length, stitches are picked up around the armholes in Southampton yarn, and sleeves are worked downward in the round to three-quarter length. The doubled hem on the sleeves mirrors the construction of the body hem, ensuring visual and structural consistency throughout the garment.