Valley Yarns Grand Teton Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Grand Teton Pullover Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Grand Teton is a top-down, seamless pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman. This scoop neck sweater is worked primarily in the round, creating a nearly seamless construction. The design is available in sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with the sample shown in size S. The finished bust measurements range from 32 inches to 64 inches, fitting with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key construction techniques that make it accessible to knitters looking to expand their skills:

• Top-Down Construction: The sweater is worked from the top down, beginning at the neckband and progressing downward. This approach allows knitters to try on the garment as it develops and easily adjust the length to their preference.
• Worked in the Round: The majority of the sweater is knitted circularly using circular needles and double-pointed needles, which creates the seamless quality and eliminates the need for seaming.
• Slip Stitch Patterning: Visual interest is created through slipped stitches positioned around the yoke, hem, and cuffs. This technique provides decorative detail without requiring the more complex skills needed for traditional stranded colorwork, making the design approachable for intermediate knitters.
• Decrease Shaping: Sleeves are shaped with strategic decreases worked down from the base of the yoke, creating a fitted sleeve cap and proper arm hole depth.

Stitches Used

The Grand Teton primarily features stockinette stitch for the main body and sleeves, providing a smooth, classic fabric base. The pattern incorporates a three-color slip stitch pattern concentrated in the yoke area and repeated at the hems and cuffs. The neckband and hem edges are worked in ribbing or garter variations using one of the contrast colors. The slip stitch pattern creates texture and visual dimension while remaining well within the capabilities of intermediate knitters.

Materials and Yarn

This project uses Valley Yarns Valley Superwash, a 100% extrafine merino yarn that offers both practical and aesthetic advantages. Each ball contains 50 grams and provides 97 yards of yardage. The yarn requirements vary by size: the main color (MC) requires 9 to 21 balls depending on size, while the two contrast colors (CC1 and CC2) require 1 to 3 balls each. The sample shown uses Steel Gray (200) as the main color, Light Blue (021) as the first contrast color, and White (260) as the second contrast color. Valley Superwash's wide range of available colors and natural elasticity make it ideal for this design, allowing for easy customization while ensuring excellent stitch definition and recovery.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern requires US size 7 (4.50 mm) circular needles in 16-inch, 24-inch, and 32 to 40-inch lengths, along with double-pointed needles of the same size for working small circumferences. US size 6 (4.00 mm) needles in 16-inch and 32 to 40-inch circular lengths are used for the neckband and hem ribbing. Gauge is critical for proper fit: 20 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles after blocking, while the slip stitch pattern gauges at 25 stitches and 38 rows per 4 inches on the larger needles after blocking. Knitters should always knit a gauge swatch and block it before beginning to ensure accurate finished measurements.

Additional Materials

Beyond yarn and needles, knitters will need stitch markers to track the beginning of rounds and pattern repeats, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and any finishing work required.