Valley Yarns Chionodoxa Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Chionodoxa Knit Tunic Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Chionodoxa is a comfortable, warm knit tunic designed by Susan Baron that pairs perfectly with jeans for everyday wear. This garment falls at the high thigh and is available in eight sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust measurements from 35¼ inches to 64 inches. The tunic is designed to fit with 5 to 7 inches of positive ease, making it an approachable layering piece suitable for various body types and style preferences.

Techniques Used

The Chionodoxa pattern introduces knitters to the intarsia technique, a color-work method that allows for large blocks of contrasting color to be incorporated seamlessly into a knitted fabric. Rather than carrying yarn across the back of the work, intarsia involves working one color at a time across each row, with colors twisted together at color changes to prevent holes. This technique is used to create the striking center panel of contrasting color on the front of the tunic.

The garment is worked flat in separate pieces, which are then seamed together for a finished construction. Short-row shaping is employed at the shoulders to create drop shoulder shaping that enhances the overall fit and comfort of the tunic. After the body pieces are seamed, stitches are picked up around the armhole opening to work the sleeves downward in the round. The neckband is constructed using a folded technique, with garter stitch worked on the outside and stockinette stitch on the inside, then sewn into place for a polished finish.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch used throughout the body and sleeves of the tunic, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Garter stitch – used on the outside of the neckband for a textured, reversible edge

Materials and Yarn

The Chionodoxa is knit using Valley Yarns Haydenville, a practical and easy-care yarn blend consisting of 60% superwash Merino wool and 40% acrylic microfiber. Each skein yields 220 yards and weighs 100 grams. The pattern calls for a main color (MC) in Navy (Color 08) and a contrasting color (CC) in Light Grey (Color 04). Yardage requirements vary by size: the main color ranges from 6 skeins for XS to 13 skeins for 4XL, while the contrasting color ranges from 2 skeins for XS/S to 4 skeins for 3XL/4XL.

Needles required include US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles in 16-inch and 32 to 40-inch lengths, plus double-pointed needles, and US 6 (4.0mm) circular needles in 16-inch length and double-pointed needles for ribbing. Additional materials include stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Difficulty

The pattern is rated as Adventurous Beginner level, making it an ideal next step for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to explore color work. The gauge is 20 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles when blocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the intarsia sections align properly throughout the garment.