Valley Yarns Thuja Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Thuja Pullover Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Thuja is an intermediate-level knitted pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman. This ribbed pullover features a distinct vertical orientation with a V-neck that creates an elegant style detail. The slim sweater showcases clean diagonal rib design elements, creating a timeless and contemporary garment intended to be worn for years. The finished sweater falls at the low hip and is designed to be worn with 3 to 5 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, tailored fit.

Garment Specifications

Sizes and Finished Measurements: Available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL. Finished bust measurements span from 35½ inches (XS) to 68 inches (5XL), accommodating a wide range of body types.

Techniques Used

• Bottom-Up Construction: The sweater body is worked from the bottom up, beginning with a cast-on edge at the hem and progressing toward the armholes
• Worked Flat: Back and front pieces are worked back and forth in rows rather than in continuous rounds, allowing for easier shaping and pattern work
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together, providing clean finishing and precise fit control
• Top-Down Sleeves: Sleeves are worked downward from the armholes, allowing for easy adjustments to sleeve length and cuff fit
• Worked in the Round: Ribbed hems and the V-neckband are worked in the round using circular needles, creating seamless, professional-looking edges

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used for the main body fabric, creating a smooth, classic knit appearance
• K3/P3 Rib Pattern: A repeating knit-3, purl-3 ribbed pattern worked across both front and back pieces, creating the vertical orientation and diagonal rib design elements that define the sweater's aesthetic
• 1/1 Ribbed Hems: Alternating knit and purl stitches create the ribbed hems at the body and sleeves, matching the V-neckband for visual cohesion

Materials and Gauge

Yarn: The pattern calls for Valley Yarns Ashfield, a blend of 67% Fine Merino Wool and 33% Bamboo Viscose. Yarn requirements range from 9 balls (for XS) to 20 balls (for 5XL), with each ball containing 50 grams and 117 yards. The sample shown is knitted in Dark Teal colorway.

Needles: The project requires two sizes of needles. US 7 (4.5mm) needles are used for the main fabric, available in 16-inch and 32 to 40-inch circular needle lengths, plus double-pointed needles. US 5 (3.75mm) needles are used for the ribbed hems and neckband in the same lengths and styles.

Additional Materials: Stitch markers (including one locking stitch marker), stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Gauge: 18 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US 7 needles when blocked. In the K3/P3 Rib pattern on US 7 needles, 21½ stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches when blocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

Construction Overview

The Thuja pullover begins with a long-tail cast-on creating a ribbed hem worked in 1/1 rib for 2 inches. The knitter then switches to larger needles and continues in the K3/P3 Rib pattern for 6 inches from the top of the cast-on edge. The back and front pieces are worked separately in this manner before being seamed together. Sleeves are subsequently worked downward from the armholes, with the same ribbed hem treatment at the cuffs. The V-neckband is worked in the round using the smaller needles, creating a finished, professional appearance that complements the overall design.