Valley Yarns Pinyon Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Pinyon Knitted Cable Sweater

What is Being Made

The Pinyon is an advanced-level knitted pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. This tunic-length layering piece features a generously boxy fit with positive ease of 2–4 inches, making it ideal for cooler weather wear. The sweater is available in four sizes with finished bust measurements ranging from 36½ inches to 60½ inches, accommodating a wide range of body types. The design showcases an allover cable pattern on both the front and back of the body, paired with ribbed sleeves and a cozy turtleneck collar.

Techniques Used

The Pinyon employs multiple construction techniques to achieve its sophisticated design. The body is worked flat in rows using the bottom-up method, allowing the knitter to build the sweater from the lower edge upward. The front and back panels are seamed together to create the finished garment. Sleeves are worked in the round using circular needles and are knitted downward from the underarm to the cuff. The turtleneck is constructed by picking up stitches from the neckline and working them in the round. This combination of flat and circular knitting techniques provides both structural control and seamless finishing where appropriate.

Stitches Used

The Pinyon showcases cable stitching as its signature stitch pattern, with an intricate allover cable design covering the front and back body panels. This advanced stitch pattern demands careful attention and cable needle work to create the twisted, three-dimensional texture that defines the sweater's visual appeal. The sleeves are worked in K2/P2 Rib stitch, which provides elasticity and a refined finish. The ribbed construction ensures the sleeves maintain their shape and offer a comfortable, fitted feel at the wrists. The turtleneck also utilizes ribbed stitching for durability and stretch.

Materials and Yarn

The Pinyon pattern calls for Valley Yarns Amherst, a 100% merino wool yarn available in 50-gram balls with 109 yards per ball. Yarn requirements vary by size: Size 1 requires 16 balls, Size 2 requires 18 balls, Size 3 requires 19 balls, and Size 4 requires 20 balls. The pattern shown features Regatta Blue colorway. Merino wool was specifically selected for this project because of its excellent body and stitch definition, which allows the cable patterns to display clearly and beautifully.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires US size 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles in both 32–40 inch and 16 inch lengths, as well as double-pointed needles for smaller circumferences. A smaller needle size, US size 6 (4.0 mm), is also needed in the same needle configurations for ribbed cuffs and edgings. Additional tools include a cable needle for managing cable stitches, stitch markers (including locking stitch markers or knitter's safety pins), stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this advanced project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in K2/P2 Rib stitch pattern using the larger size needle, blocked. For the cable stitch pattern, the gauge is 24 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches using the larger size needle, also blocked. The sweater is sized to fit bust measurements of 32–36 inches (Size 1), 40–44 inches (Size 2), 48–52 inches (Size 3), and 56–60 inches (Size 4), with finished measurements providing 2–4 inches of positive ease for comfortable layering.

Construction Notes

The Pinyon is constructed using a logical, efficient method that minimizes finishing work. The back and front panels are worked separately in flat rows to the drop shoulders, allowing the cable pattern to be easily managed without the complexity of working in the round. Once the body is complete, sleeves are picked up at the armholes and worked downward in ribbing, a technique that provides a smooth, professional finish. The turtleneck is similarly picked up from the neckline and worked in the round. The sweater sits at mid-hip length, offering generous coverage ideal for layering. The pattern notes that additional yarn will be required if extra length is desired beyond the tunic length shown.