Valley Yarns Kenai Fjords Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Kenai Fjords Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Kenai Fjords is an intermediate-level knit sweater designed by Julie Turjoman, featuring a comfortable boat neck and A-line silhouette. This pullover sampler tee introduces knitters to manageable sections of new stitch patterns while maintaining classic shaping and beautiful textures. The design offers two length options—shorter (high hip) and longer (mid-hip)—allowing knitters to customize the finished look. Available in sizes XS through 4XL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 32 inches to 64 inches and designed to fit with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease for comfortable wear.

Construction and Techniques

The Kenai Fjords is worked flat and seamed, constructed from the bottom up in separate pieces. This seamed construction method adds structural support to the yarn's soft pliability, ensuring the garment maintains its shape during wear and washing. The sweater features subtle A-line shaping that flows from the hip to the bust, created through strategic decreases worked at the end of each Twist Stitch pattern section. The upper bodice is worked separately in two pieces, incorporating the boat neckline for a refined, comfortable finish. This piece-by-piece approach allows knitters to manage the pattern systematically while building a garment with excellent drape and structure.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Kenai Fjords incorporates multiple stitch techniques to create visual interest and texture throughout the design. The pattern includes cable stitches and lace stitches as featured stitch patterns, making it an excellent sampler project for knitters seeking to expand their technical skills. Stockinette stitch serves as the primary background fabric, worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rounds over 4 inches when blocked using the larger needles. Hem Ribbing Pattern #1 is also incorporated, worked at a gauge of 22 stitches and 26 rounds over 4 inches when blocked. Twist Stitch patterns are featured throughout the design, with their changing stitch counts creating the subtle A-line shaping as decreases are strategically placed at the end of each pattern section. These varied stitch techniques work together to create a sophisticated, textured garment that remains accessible to intermediate-level knitters.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Kenai Fjords pattern calls for Valley Yarns Goshen, a premium blend yarn composed of 48% Peruvian Cotton, 46% Modal, and 6% Silk. This fiber combination provides the breathability, drape, and soft hand that knitters seek for warm-weather garments. Each skein weighs 50 grams and yields 92 yards. The sample shown features Color 28 - Bright Pink. Yarn requirements vary by size and length option: the shorter length requires 7 to 18 skeins depending on size, while the longer length requires 8 to 19 skeins. Knitters will need US 6 (4.00mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32 to 40-inch lengths as the primary needles, along with US 5 (3.75mm) circular needles in 16-inch and 32 to 40-inch lengths for ribbing sections. Additional materials include stitch markers (including 4 locking stitch markers) and a tapestry needle for seaming and finishing.

Skill Level and Pattern Details

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Kenai Fjords is designed to challenge developing knitters while remaining achievable for those with foundational skills. The pattern introduces manageable sections of new stitch patterns, making it ideal for knitters seeking to expand their technique repertoire without becoming overwhelmed. The sampler format offers significant variation for experienced knitters, allowing them to explore cables and lace within a structured, wearable garment. The downloadable PDF format provides complete pattern instructions, schematics, and all necessary information for successful completion of this versatile warm-weather sweater.