Valley Yarns Myrtle Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Myrtle V-Neck Pullover Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Myrtle is a classic V-neck pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman, sized for advanced beginner knitters seeking to build a hand-knitted capsule wardrobe. This garment features distinctive styling details including an unexpected collar at the V-neck opening and split hems that elevate the design beyond a basic pullover. Available in sizes ranging from XS to 5XL with finished bust measurements from 36¼ inches to 68¼ inches, the sweater is designed to fit with 4 to 6 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed silhouette.

Techniques Used

The Myrtle employs a combination of construction methods that make it an approachable project for newer sweater knitters. The garment uses a bottom-up construction approach, beginning with the creation of two separate split hems that are later joined together. The body is then worked in the round using circular needles, which eliminates the need for seaming in this section and creates a seamless fabric. From the armholes upward, the sweater transitions to working flat in rows on circular needles to shape the front and back pieces separately through the shoulders and neckline. Strategic seaming joins the front and back pieces at the shoulders and sides. The construction includes increase shaping at the armholes to enhance the drop shoulder effect, and a shaped flat collar is worked separately above the V-neck opening.

Stitches Used

The Myrtle features simple knit-and-purl stitch texture as its primary design element, creating visual interest without complex stitch patterns. The body is worked in a broken rib texture combining knit and purl stitches in a repeating pattern that provides both elasticity and subtle texture. The hems and ribbed sections utilize ribbing worked with a smaller needle size to create definition and structure. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch on the larger needles, providing a classic, clean fabric base. The gauge is established at 22 stitches and 30 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles when blocked.

Materials and Tools

The Myrtle calls for Valley Yarns Worthington yarn, a hard-wearing tweedy textured yarn composed of 50% wool, 25% alpaca, and 25% viscose. This fiber blend creates a durable, classic fabric suitable for a wardrobe staple. The sample shown uses color 04 Acorn. Yarn requirements range from 7 balls for the smallest size to 17 balls for the largest size, with each ball containing 50 grams and 174 yards of yardage.

Needle requirements include US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in 16-inch, 24-inch, and 32 to 40-inch lengths, along with double-pointed needles, for working the main fabric. US size 4 (3.50 mm) circular needles in the same length range and double-pointed needles are used for ribbing sections. Additional materials needed include stitch markers (including 2 locking stitch markers for marking pattern repeats and shaping points), stitch holders for holding stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Design Features and Construction Details

The split hem construction is a signature detail of this design. Two separate hem pieces are worked in rows using the Long-Tail cast-on technique, creating a distinctive split opening at the lower edge. These two pieces are later joined, and the sweater continues upward in the round to the armholes using the broken rib texture stitch pattern. This construction method creates visual interest and a modern aesthetic while maintaining the structural integrity of the garment.

The drop shoulder shaping is achieved through increase shaping at the armholes, which gently expands the shoulder area and creates a relaxed, contemporary fit. The minimal but effective shaping throughout the garment makes it an approachable project for knitters developing their sweater construction skills. The V-neck opening is finished with a shaped flat collar worked in rows, providing a polished neckline treatment that frames the face and adds visual interest to the upper body.

The combination of minimal shaping, straightforward stitch patterns, and a logical construction sequence makes the Myrtle an ideal project for advanced beginner knitters who are ready to tackle their first or second sweater while seeking a garment with contemporary design details and lasting wearability.