Valley Yarns Aconite Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Aconite Lace Pullover Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Aconite is an allover lace pullover sweater designed for special occasions and events. This garment features a scoop neckline, full ¾-length sleeves that gather at the cuffs, and minimal shaping throughout. The design creates an impressive visual impact with its lace pattern while maintaining a timeless and stylish aesthetic. The sweater is available in sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with finished bust measurements from 32¼ inches to 65 inches, and is designed to be worn with 4 to 6 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Techniques Used

The Aconite employs multiple advanced construction techniques to achieve its sophisticated silhouette. The sweater body is worked flat and seamed, with the back and front pieces knitted separately from the bottom up in rows before being joined at the shoulders and seamed at the sides. Drop shoulders with short-row shaping are incorporated to enhance the drape of the garment. The full sleeves are worked in the round from the armholes downward to ¾-length, with decrease shaping worked just before the narrow hem to create the characteristic gathered cuff effect. A scoop neckline is created by picking up stitches around the neck opening and working a narrow band. These combined techniques require experienced knitting skills and create a garment with professional finishing.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern throughout the Aconite is lace stitch, which covers the entire sweater body and creates the eye-catching allover lace design. One repeat of the lace pattern measures approximately 1¾ inches wide. The pattern includes selvage stitches incorporated into the flat-knit sections to facilitate clean seaming. Stockinette stitch is used for the narrow hems at the cuffs and the neckline band, providing a smooth, refined finish to these edge details. The combination of lace and stockinette creates visual contrast while maintaining structural integrity.

Materials and Yarn

The Aconite is designed to be knitted with Valley Yarns Westfield, a luxurious fiber blend consisting of 60% fine merino wool, 20% yak fiber, and 20% silk. This sophisticated blend provides exceptional softness and a subtle sheen that contributes to the sweater's timeless quality. The yarn is available in the colorway Blush as shown in the pattern. Yarn requirements range from 10 balls for the smallest size (XS) to 19 balls for the largest size (5XL), with each ball containing 50 grams and 120 yards of yarn.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for US size 6 (4 mm) circular needles measuring 32 to 40 inches in length for the main fabric, and US size 4 (3.50 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32 to 40-inch lengths for working the hems and cuffs. The gauge for the lace stitch on the larger needles, when blocked, is 22 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches. Needle size may be adjusted as needed to achieve the correct gauge. Additional materials include stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming and finishing.

Design Details and Fit

The Aconite is classified as an advanced difficulty pattern, reflecting the complexity of its lace stitch work and construction techniques. The sweater falls to mid-hip length and is designed with drop shoulders that create an elegant, relaxed silhouette. The gathered ¾-length sleeves add visual interest and movement to the design, while the scoop neckline provides a flattering, versatile neckline suitable for layering or wearing alone. The pattern includes sizing guidance, noting that knitters preferring a closer fit may work one size smaller than their typical size.