Valley Yarns Norfolk Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Norfolk Lace Hoodie

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Norfolk is a luxurious lace hoodie that reimagines the traditional sweatshirt silhouette. Designed by Julie Turjoman, this garment combines elegant lace textures with a cozy, cloud-soft construction, making it suitable for both evening wear and casual layering on cool evenings. The hoodie features a sophisticated blend of sheer and opaque lace elements that create visual interest and depth throughout the design.

Construction Method and Techniques

This intermediate-level sweater employs a bottom-up, seamed construction worked flat in pieces. The garment is built in distinct sections: the lower body is worked first from hem to armhole using the larger Diamond Lace pattern, then stitches are cast on for the sleeves, which are worked together with the upper body stitches in a contrasting Upper Body Lace pattern. The sleeves are subsequently seamed at the underarms and arm tops. The hood is worked in stockinette stitch from live stitches at the inner shoulders and back neck, providing a clean, structured finish. An optional sweatshirt pocket worked in the Lower Body Lace pattern can be added to the front. Fine I-Cord is fed through lace eyelets at the sleeve edges for decorative detail.

Stitches and Lace Patterns

The Norfolk features two distinct lace stitch patterns that work together to create the garment's signature aesthetic. The Lower Body Diamond Lace pattern forms the foundation of the piece, while the Upper Body Lace pattern provides contrast in the yoke and sleeves. Both patterns are easily memorized, making this a surprisingly fast knit despite its luxurious appearance. The two different lace stitches intentionally contrast the garment's sheer and opaque elements, allowing the lace textures to offer varying degrees of opacity. The hood is worked in stockinette stitch, providing a smooth, structured contrast to the lace sections.

Yarn and Materials

The Norfolk is designed to be worked with two yarns held together throughout, creating a unique blend of fiber characteristics. Yarn A is Valley Yarns Southampton, a luxurious blend of 72% Kid Mohair and 28% Mulberry Silk (25g/230yds per ball) in the colorway 010-Blue Lagoon. Yarn B is Valley Yarns Huntington, composed of 75% Superwash Merino Wool and 25% Nylon (50g/218yds per hank) in colorway 29-North Sea. This two-yarn combination creates a soft, cloud-like fabric with excellent drape and warmth. The pattern requires a US 6 (4mm) 32-inch circular needle or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in Diamond Lace stitch with both yarns held together, blocked. Additional materials include stitch markers and a tapestry needle for seaming.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The Norfolk is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with finished bust measurements from 32½ inches (XS) to 64½ inches (5XL). The garment is designed to be worn with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease, allowing for comfortable layering and movement. Yarn requirements scale appropriately across sizes, ranging from 6 balls of Southampton and 6 hanks of Huntington for the smallest size to 12 balls of Southampton and 12 hanks of Huntington for the largest size.