Valley Yarns Zion Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Zion Striped Pullover Sweater

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Zion is a boldly striped pullover sweater designed by Susan Baron. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a comfortable, versatile garment suitable for cool summer evenings and casual wear. The sweater features crisp stitch definition and fantastic drape, making it an ideal layering piece for outdoor activities or relaxing by a fire pit. Available in sizes XS through 5XL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 35 inches to 67 inches, the Zion accommodates a wide range of body types with 4–6 inches of positive ease for a relaxed fit.

Construction Technique

The Zion is worked bottom-up and seamed, meaning the back, front, and sleeves are knitted as separate flat pieces from the hem upward, then sewn together. This construction method allows for precise shaping and stripe alignment throughout the garment. The design incorporates A-line shaping for added comfort and movement. Shoulders feature short-row shaping to create a smooth, tailored fit across the upper body. Sleeves are worked separately and then set into the armholes using seaming techniques. The neckband is worked in the round on smaller needles after the body is complete.

Stitch Patterns and Techniques

The Zion showcases bold horizontal stripes created by alternating between two distinct colors and stitch patterns throughout the garment. The main stitch patterns used are stockinette stitch and Mock Rib pattern, which are worked in alternating stripe sequences. Both stitch and row gauges are critical to this design for achieving the intended fit and maintaining proper stripe alignment across all pieces. Selvages are created on the first and last stitches of every row—knit on right-side rows and purled on wrong-side rows—to ensure clean, professional seaming. Yarn is cut between color changes, with tails left to be woven in during finishing.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Zion is constructed using Valley Yarns Southwick, a blend of 52% Pima Cotton and 48% Bamboo that provides excellent stitch definition and drape. Two colors are required in equal quantities: Color A (19-Toffee) and Color B (01-Natural). Yarn requirements range from 6 balls per color for the smallest size (XS) to 15 balls per color for the largest size (5XL), with each ball containing 50 grams and 105 yards.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles measuring 24–32 inches in length for the main body pieces, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. A smaller US 6 (4.0mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches is used for the neckband ribbing. The target gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows equal 4 inches in both stockinette stitch and Mock Rib pattern on the larger needles, measured after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit and stripe alignment.

Additional Materials

Beyond yarn and needles, the Zion requires standard finishing supplies: stitch holders to temporarily hold stitches during construction, a stitch marker to track pattern repeats and shaping points, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming pieces together.

Skill Level and Design Notes

Rated as Adventurous Beginner, the Zion is accessible to knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle intermediate techniques. The pattern employs the Old-Norwegian Cast-On method or another stretchy cast-on technique to create a flexible edge that accommodates the sweater's A-line shaping. The combination of seaming, short-row shaping, and stripe pattern work provides an engaging project that builds confidence in multiple knitting techniques while producing a polished, wearable garment designed to provide comfort and style for years of wear.