Valley Yarns Colorado Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Colorado Knit Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Colorado is an intermediate-level knit sweater designed by Julie Turjoman. This scoop neck pullover features ¾-length sleeves and is constructed with A-line shaping that emphasizes the fabric's natural drape. The garment showcases a distinctive 3-D twist stitch pattern on the front and saddle shoulders, adding textural depth and visual interest to the finished piece. Available in sizes XS through 5XL with finished bust measurements ranging from 31½" to 63¼", the Colorado is designed to fit with 2–4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed silhouette.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Colorado employs several intermediate knitting techniques to achieve its sophisticated construction and fit:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The sweater is worked in individual pieces from the bottom upward, allowing for easier gauge adjustments and fit modifications during the knitting process.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are knitted flat on circular needles rather than in the round, then seamed together for a polished, finished appearance.
• A-Line Decreases: Strategic decreases are worked at the sides to create the signature A-line shaping that showcases the yarn's excellent drape characteristics.
• Short Row Shaping: Short rows are incorporated at the shoulders just below the twist stitch saddle panels to enhance the overall fit and shoulder contour.
• Seaming: All pieces are carefully seamed together using a tapestry needle, creating clean, professional seams throughout the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Colorado utilizes a combination of fundamental and decorative stitches to create its distinctive appearance:

• Stockinette Stitch: Forms the main body fabric, providing a smooth, classic knit surface. Gauge in stockinette is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when blocked.
• Twist Stitch Pattern: A 3-D textured pattern centered on the front and sleeves adds visual and tactile interest. This pattern requires a different gauge of 25 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches when blocked, reflecting the density created by the twisted stitches.
• Ribbing: K1/P1 (knit one, purl one) ribbing is used for the hem and neckline, providing elasticity and a finished, professional edge. Ribbing is worked on smaller needles to create the proper tension and recovery.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Colorado is designed to showcase the qualities of Valley Yarns Ashfield, a premium blend yarn that combines natural and plant-based fibers. The yarn requirements range from 9 hanks for the smallest size (XS) to 21 hanks for the largest size (5XL). Each hank of Valley Yarns Ashfield contains 50 grams and 117 yards, composed of 67% Fine Merino Wool and 33% Bamboo Viscose. This fiber blend provides squishy softness and excellent stitch definition, allowing the twist stitch pattern to display clearly while the bamboo viscose contributes to the fabric's beautiful drape. The pattern sample is shown in color 13 - Lilac.

Needles and Tools

Proper needle selection is essential for achieving the correct gauge and construction in the Colorado. The pattern requires US 6 (4.0 mm) needles in 32" or 40" circular lengths, plus double-pointed needles for working ribbing on the sleeves and neckline. US 5 (3.75 mm) needles in 16", 24", 32", or 40" circular lengths and double-pointed needles are used for all ribbed sections to create the proper tension. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping decreases, stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming the finished pieces together.

Construction Summary

The Colorado begins with a long-tail cast-on for the back piece, followed by 1 inch of K1/P1 ribbing worked on smaller needles. The body then switches to larger needles and stockinette stitch, with A-line decreases worked every 8 rows to create the flattering silhouette. The front piece incorporates the centered twist stitch pattern while maintaining the same A-line shaping as the back. Sleeves are worked separately from the cuff upward, with ribbing at the base and stockinette or patterned sections forming the body of