Valley Yarns Camellia Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Camellia Cable Front Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Camellia is a beginner-friendly cable front pullover designed by Julie Turjoman. This cozy layering piece features a charming cable pattern on the front and is ideal for everyday wear, whether running errands or meeting friends for coffee. The pullover sits at mid-hip length and is available in eight sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust measurements from 36¼ inches to 66 inches. The design includes a funnel neck and ribbed cuffs, making it a complete capsule wardrobe essential.

Techniques Used

The Camellia pullover employs multiple knitting techniques to create its finished structure:

• Bottom-up construction: The sweater is worked in the round from the bottom up, allowing for seamless knitting in the body section
• Worked in the round: The body and neckline are knitted circularly using either circular needles or the Magic Loop technique with a 40-inch circular needle
• Flat knitting: After the armholes are divided, the piece transitions to working back and forth for the front and back panels
• Cable techniques: Easy repeating cables frame the front design, providing visual interest and texture
• Short-row shaping: Shoulders are shaped using the short-row technique before seaming
• Top-down sleeves: Sleeves are worked downward from the armholes to the cuffs
• Decrease shaping: Armhole shaping is accomplished through strategic decreases

Stitches Used

The Camellia features a limited stitch palette that makes it accessible to beginner knitters:

• Stockinette stitch: Forms the main fabric of the pullover, creating a smooth, classic knit surface
• Garter stitch: Frames the cable pattern, providing textural contrast and visual definition
• Cable stitches: The pattern uses 12-stitch and 13-stitch cable combinations that measure 2½ inches and 2¾ inches wide respectively when worked with the larger needles
• Ribbing: Used for the funnel neck and cuffs to create elastic, fitted edges

Materials and Yarn

The Camellia pattern calls for Valley Yarns Berkshire, a premium blend yarn that provides both softness and stitch definition ideal for showcasing cable work. The yarn composition is 85% Merino Wool and 15% Baby Alpaca, offering a luxurious feel and excellent drape. The sample shown is worked in color 53 Denim Heather. Yardage requirements range from 1,127 yards for the smallest size (XS) to 1,692 yards for the largest size (4XL), with each ball containing 141 yards.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires two sets of circular needles in different sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction:

• Larger needles (US size 9 / 5.5 mm): 16-inch and 32–40-inch circular needles, plus double-pointed needles or a 40-inch circular needle for Magic Loop technique. These needles are used for the main fabric
• Smaller needles (US size 7 / 4.5 mm): 16-inch and 32–40-inch circular needles, plus double-pointed needles or a 40-inch circular needle for Magic Loop technique. These needles are used for ribbed sections including the funnel neck and cuffs
• Additional tools: Stitch markers, locking stitch markers, waste yarn or a stitch holder, a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends

Gauge and Fit

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches and 23 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needles, measured after blocking. The cable and garter stitch combinations have specific width measurements: the 12-stitch cable measures 2½ inches wide, while the 13-stitch cable measures 2¾ inches wide. The pullover is designed to fit with 4–6 inches of positive ease, providing comfortable layering room. The length