Valley Yarns Mountain Laurel Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Mountain Laurel Pullover

What is Being Made

The Mountain Laurel is a luxurious knitted pullover designed by Julie Turjoman, created as an elegant topper suitable for special occasions such as holidays or date night. This intermediate-level garment features a distinctive silhouette combining fitted and flowing elements: a deep V-neckline, drop-shoulders, integrated dolman sleeves that end at the elbow, and an empire waist created by a deeply ribbed hem. The design balances body-conscious shaping at the waist with generous drape through the bodice and sleeves, making it both sophisticated and wearable for everyday luxury.

Techniques Used

The Mountain Laurel employs multiple construction techniques to achieve its elegant design. The garment is worked flat in separate pieces, with strategic seaming to create the finished structure. The ribbed band is worked in the round as a single piece, while the bodice and sleeves are worked flat back and forth in rows across two pieces. The construction involves seaming at multiple points: the short ends of each bodice piece are seamed along the top edge of the ribbed band from center front to the sides, bodice sides are seamed vertically to create the underside of the dolman sleeves, and back bodice pieces are seamed vertically up the center to close the back to the neckline. This thoughtful construction method allows for precise shaping and the integrated dolman sleeve design.

Stitches Used

The pattern features two primary stitch patterns that create both structure and visual interest. Rib stitch is used for the fitted, deeply ribbed hem and empire waist band, providing elasticity and a tailored appearance. The main bodice showcases a cabled eyelet pattern, which combines cable stitches with eyelet details to create an intricate, textured fabric that contributes to the garment's luxurious aesthetic. The combination of these stitch patterns—the structured ribbing at the hem contrasting with the decorative cabled eyelet bodice—creates the distinctive silhouette and visual appeal of this design.

Materials and Yarn

The Mountain Laurel is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Hampden, a premium blend yarn composed of 50% Baby Alpaca, 35% Fine Merino Wool, and 15% Mulberry Silk. This luxurious fiber combination provides the gentle drape and softness that characterizes the finished garment. The yarn is available in 50-gram skeins with 95 yards per skein. Yarn requirements range from 9 skeins for size XS to 22 skeins for size 3XL, depending on the chosen size. The sample shown is knitted in color #03 Silver Gray.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern requires US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 24-32-inch lengths for the main fabric, and US size 4 (3.50 mm) circular needles in the same lengths for the ribbed band. Gauge is critical for achieving proper fit: 22 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in Rib stitch using the smaller needle when blocked, and 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in Cable pattern using the larger needles when blocked. Additional materials include stitch markers, locking stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, a cable needle for working the cable stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The Mountain Laurel is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3XL. Finished hip measurements span from 32 inches (XS) to 65½ inches (3XL), with lengths ranging from 23 inches (XS) to 29 inches (3XL). The pattern fits with 0 to 2 inches of positive ease in the ribbed band at the hip. Because the topper is quite roomy in the bust, the pattern recommends choosing your size based on your upper hip measurement rather than bust measurement, ensuring the most flattering fit.