Valley Yarns Latana Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Latana Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Latana is a simple, versatile knit tee designed by Vera Keller-Hum that can be worn on its own or layered over another shirt. This pullover sweater is available in a wide range of sizes from XS to 4XL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 32¾ inches to 60¾ inches. The garment is designed to fit with 3–5 inches of positive ease, making it a comfortable, relaxed-fitting piece suitable for various body types and styling preferences.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Latana employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the sweater is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked in the round using circular needles for the body section, which creates a seamless tube from the cast-on edge up to the underarm. At the underarm, the piece is divided so that the front and back are worked flat (back and forth in rows) separately to accommodate armhole shaping and neckline details. The finished pieces are then seamed together to complete the garment.

This construction approach is efficient and reduces the amount of finishing work required, as the in-the-round sections eliminate side seams in the body. The pattern uses the Long-Tail Cast-On method to begin the project, a classic technique that creates a neat, elastic edge ideal for ribbed cuffs.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Latana features an easy-to-memorize textured stitch pattern that is perfect for knitting while watching television, making it an ideal project for knitters who want to work on something engaging without constant pattern concentration. The garment begins with a K2/P2 Ribbed cuff at the lower edge, which provides elasticity and a polished finish. This ribbing is worked for 2½ inches before transitioning to the main textured pattern.

The body is constructed primarily in stockinette stitch as the base, with the textured pattern worked as a repeating motif throughout. The gauge for this project is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch on the larger needles and blocked. Shaping is accomplished using M1L (Make One Left) and M1R (Make One Right) increases, which are nearly invisible increases that maintain the integrity of the stitch pattern.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Latana is designed to be knitted with Valley Yarns Toby, a premium blend yarn composed of 83% Mako Cotton, 10% Mulberry Silk, and 7% Cashmere. This luxurious fiber combination creates a fabric that is soft, breathable, and pleasant to work with. The yarn is available in 50-gram balls, with each ball providing 109 yards of yardage.

Yarn requirements vary by size: XS requires 6 balls, S requires 7 balls, M requires 8 balls, L requires 9 balls, XL requires 11 balls, 2XL requires 12 balls, 3XL requires 13 balls, and 4XL requires 15 balls. The pattern sample shown is knitted in size M using color 13 Rose.

Needles and Additional Supplies

The Latana requires US Size 6 (4.0mm) circular needles in a 32-inch length for the main body knitting, or whatever size is necessary to achieve the specified gauge. US Size 5 (3.5mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32-inch lengths are used for the ribbed cuff and other ribbed sections. Circular needles are essential for working in the round and for accommodating the large stitch counts required for this garment.

Additional materials needed include stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and section divisions, stitch holders to temporarily secure stitches during the front and back division, and a tapestry needle for seaming the front and back pieces together and weaving in yarn ends.

Skill Level and Construction Overview

The Latana is rated as an Adventurous Beginner project, making it accessible to knitters who have mastered basic techniques but are ready to tackle more complex shaping and construction methods. The combination of in-the-round and flat knitting, along with the textured stitch pattern and fitted shaping, provides an excellent learning opportunity for intermediate knitters.