Specifications
| Brand: | Valley Yarns |
| Yarn Weight: | Worsted |
| Designer: | Julie Turjoman |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Pages: | 7 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
| Finished Size: | To Fit Bust: 32¾" to 58¾" |
| Techniques and Construction: | Bottom Up, Seamless, Stranded, Worked In The Round |
| Pattern Code: | 1244 |
| Featured Products: | Valley Yarns Amherst Yarn - Merino Wool Worsted |
What you'll need
1 Select Size
2 Select Colors
Valley Yarns Amherst Yarn - Merino Wool Worsted
black
Out of stock — not added to kit
× $5.06
Valley Yarns Amherst Yarn - Merino Wool Worsted
Driftwood
Out of stock — not added to kit
× $5.06
Valley Yarns Amherst Yarn - Merino Wool Worsted
Burgundy
Out of stock — not added to kit
× $5.06
3 Accessories
Product Description
Valley Yarns Karakum is a stunning women’s pullover knit in Amherst. The sweater features a brilliant circular yoke in a super easy colorwork pattern and contrast color cuffs and hem that looks great on everyone. Karakum is knit in the round from the bottom up. The sleeves are knit separately and joined to the body at the base of the yoke. Valley Yarns Amherst is a smooth worsted weight yarn that shows texture and stitch patterns beautifully and has a wide range of colors that are perfect for Fair Isle or intarsia. The colorwork patterns are in chart form only.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL) (2XL, 3XL, 4XL)
Finished Measurements: Shown in size L with suggested 2–4” positive ease
Chest/Bust – 32¾ (35¼, 38¾, 42, 46¼) (50½, 54½, 58¾)”
Length – 23½ (24, 24½, 26, 26½) (29, 29½, 30)”
Yarn Requirements: Valley Yarns Amherst (100% Merino Wool; 50g/109yds)
MC – 9 (10, 11, 12, 13) (14, 15, 16) balls shown in Black
CC1 – 2 (2, 2, 2, 2) (3, 3, 3) balls shown in Driftwood
CC2 – 3 (3, 3, 4, 4) (4, 5, 5) balls shown in Burgundy
Needles:
US 6 (4.00mm) 16” & 24–40” circular and DPNs
US 7 (4.50mm) 16” & 24–40” circular and DPNs to get gauge
Gauge: 19 sts and 28 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch on US 7 (4.50mm)
Valley Yarns Karakum Crewneck Sweater
What Is Being Made
The Valley Yarns Karakum is a classic, gender-neutral crewneck sweater designed by Julie Turjoman. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in eight sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished chest measurements from 32¾ inches to 58¾ inches. The sweater features a timeless crew neckline and is constructed to provide 2–4 inches of positive ease for comfortable wear.
Construction Technique and Method
The Karakum sweater is worked from the bottom up in the round, a popular construction method that minimizes seaming and creates a seamless garment body. The sleeves are knit separately using the round method, then joined to the body at the base of the yoke, allowing for precise fit and shaping. The back neck incorporates short-row shaping to raise the back yoke, which strategically drops the front neckline slightly for improved fit and comfort.
Stitches and Colorwork Details
The sweater showcases several key stitch techniques:
- Stockinette stitch forms the main fabric body, worked on US 7 (4.5mm) needles at a gauge of 19 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches
- Knit 1, Purl 1 Ribbing (K1/P1 Rib) creates the cuffs, hem, and neckband in contrast colors for a polished finish
- Stranded colorwork in two colors embellishes the yoke with a small-scale pattern, adding visual interest while maintaining the sweater's classic aesthetic
The contrast color cuffs and hem provide fun finishing touches that frame the garment and enhance its design appeal.
Yarn and Materials
The Karakum is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Amherst, a 100% merino wool yarn that offers exceptional stitch definition and cozy warmth. The pattern requires three colors of Amherst:
- Main Color (MC): Black, requiring 9–16 balls depending on size (50g/109 yards per ball)
- Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Driftwood, requiring 2–3 balls
- Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Burgundy, requiring 3–5 balls
The project requires US 7 (4.5mm) and US 6 (4.0mm) circular needles in both 24–40 inch and 16 inch lengths, plus double-pointed needles (dpn) in both sizes for working the sleeves and neckband. Additional materials include stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, and a tapestry needle for finishing.
Skill Level and Techniques Summary
Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Karakum requires knitters to be comfortable with working in the round, managing multiple colors in stranded colorwork, executing short-row shaping, and joining separate pieces. The merino wool twist of Valley Yarns Amherst provides excellent stitch definition, making it an ideal choice for showcasing both the ribbed details and the stranded colorwork pattern.
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