Valley Yarns Taxus Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Taxus Unisex Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Taxus is an intermediate-level unisex pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman. This sophisticated garment features a refined color palette and combines textured ribbing with stranded colorwork details. The sweater is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with finished chest measurements from 35 inches to 69¾ inches, designed to fit with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, modern fit.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Taxus is worked in the round from the bottom up, a construction method that minimizes seaming and creates a seamless, professional finish. The lower body begins with a Wave Rib pattern worked in stockinette stitch, establishing visual texture and structure at the hem. Above this ribbed section, stranded colorwork forms a carefully positioned band around the chest and upper arms, adding visual interest without overwhelming the design. The colorwork is worked in the round prior to dividing the front and back at the underarms.

Once divided, the front and back are worked separately in stockinette stitch to the shoulders, allowing for precise shaping and fit. Long set-in sleeves are worked separately in the round from cuff to shoulder, with strategic increase shaping to create a tailored silhouette. This hybrid approach—combining in-the-round construction with strategic dividing—makes the pattern achievable for less experienced knitters while maintaining a polished, wearable result.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch throughout the Taxus is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric suitable for showcasing the yarn's qualities. The lower body features a Wave Rib pattern, adding subtle texture and visual movement to the hem area. Stranded colorwork is used strategically on the upper sleeves and lower chest, introducing a secondary color (Tranquil Blue) into the design while keeping the colorwork section manageable for intermediate-level knitters. The colorwork maintains stockinette stitch structure, ensuring consistent fabric drape and appearance.

Yarn and Materials

The Taxus is designed to showcase Valley Yarns Northfield, a luxurious blend of 70% Merino Wool, 20% Baby Alpaca, and 10% Silk. This fiber combination creates a sophisticated, breathable fabric with excellent drape and a subtle sheen. The main color is Charcoal (Color 26), paired with Tranquil Blue (Color 27) for the stranded colorwork accents. Yarn requirements range from 8 to 15 balls of the main color and 2 to 4 balls of the contrast color, depending on size, with each ball providing 124 yards at 50 grams.

Construction requires US size 6 (4.00mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32–40-inch lengths, along with double-pointed needles for smaller circumferences. US size 7 (4.50mm) needles are available as an alternative for achieving proper gauge in the stranded colorwork sections, where the two-color technique can create a tighter fabric. A US size 5 (3.75mm) needle is used for the ribbed hem. Additional materials include stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, and a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The target gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the US size 6 needle, measured after blocking. For the stranded colorwork sections, the gauge remains consistent at 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when worked with the larger US size 7 needle, accounting for the density created by working with two colors. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and fit.