Valley Yarns Kalahari Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Kalahari Popover Sweater

What is Being Made

The Kalahari is a boxy popover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. This clean-lined pullover features a slightly cropped length that hits at the high hip and is designed to be worn with 6" to 8" positive ease for a relaxed, comfortable fit. The sweater showcases an overlapping V-neckline that adds visual drama to the simple silhouette, making it an excellent choice for knitters seeking a modern, minimalist garment with interesting construction details.

Techniques Used

The Kalahari is worked using seamed construction, with the body and sleeves knitted flat in separate pieces and then assembled. The popover is worked back and forth in rows from the textured hem to the shoulders with no body shaping, creating a straight, boxy profile. The V-neck overlap is created through strategic cast-on stitches on one side combined with decrease shaping worked every row on the other side, allowing for an elegant overlapping front closure. Short-row shaping is employed at the shoulders to enhance fit and create a more tailored garment. Knitted-on sleeves make this an achievable project for newer knitters while maintaining interest for experienced crafters. The neckband is worked after the shoulders have been joined but before sleeves are attached, minimizing bulk in the finished garment.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric throughout the body and sleeves, providing a smooth, classic appearance that showcases the yarn's gentle drape and tweedy texture
• Mistake-rib hems are used at the lower edge and sleeve cuffs, combining textural interest with functional shaping that enhances both fit and style

Materials and Yarn

This pattern calls for Valley Yarns Taconic, a luxury blend composed of 70% Merino Wool and 30% Cashmere. The yarn is worked at 125 yards per 50-gram ball, and the pattern requires 7 to 17 balls depending on size (XS through 4XL). The sample shown is knitted in Navy Tweed, a sophisticated colorway that highlights the yarn's tweedy soft hand and excellent stitch definition. Taconic's gentle drape and refined texture lend extra finesse and a touch of luxury to this clean-lined design.

Needles and Gauge

The Kalahari is worked on US size 8 (5.00 mm) circular needles in 24" to 32" lengths for the body, along with 16" circular needles or double-pointed needles for smaller circumferences. US size 7 (4.50 mm) needles in 16" and 24" to 32" lengths are used for the sleeve cuffs and neckband, creating a subtle texture transition. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US size 8 needles when blocked.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The pattern is available in eight sizes ranging from XS to 4XL. Finished bust measurements span from 36 inches (XS) to 64½ inches (4XL), accommodating a wide range of body types. The design is intended to be worn with positive ease, creating a relaxed, contemporary silhouette.

Skill Level

Rated as Adventurous Beginner, the Kalahari is accessible to knitters new to garment construction. The knitted-on sleeves and straightforward body shaping make this an ideal project for building confidence in sweater knitting, while the short-row shoulder shaping and overlapping V-neckline construction provide engaging details that will interest more experienced knitters seeking to expand their technical skills.