Valley Yarns Ascella Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Ascella Knit Pullover Top

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Ascella is a sophisticated knit pullover top designed for warm-weather wear. This pullover features a body-skimming, high hip-length fit that works equally well for professional settings, casual outings, or date nights. The design showcases a classic silhouette with a V-neck and cap sleeves, making it an elegant and versatile wardrobe staple. The garment is available in sizes XS through 5XL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 33¾" to 65¾".

Techniques Used

The Ascella employs a combination of knitting techniques to achieve its refined construction. The garment is worked in the round from the ribbed hem to the armholes, which creates a seamless lower body. From the armholes upward, the piece transitions to working flat, allowing for the V-neck shaping and cap sleeve integration. The design features minimal seaming at the shoulders only, reducing bulk and creating clean finishing. Cap sleeves are worked integrally with the upper body using shaping adjustments to control sleeve width. The V-neck band is completed by picking up stitches and working in the round, ensuring a polished neckline finish.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The Ascella showcases elegant stitch work that balances simplicity with visual interest. The primary fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, refined surface. The body features a geometric stitch texture created with staggered slip stitches on both the front and back panels. This textural element adds subtle visual dimension without overwhelming the classic design. The ribbed hem provides structure and helps the garment sit properly at the hip. The pattern notes that four unique stitch markers are used to mark the texture pattern, helping knitters track the placement of the geometric slip-stitch details across the body.

Shaping and Fit Details

The Ascella incorporates waist and bust shaping to create a flattering, body-skimming silhouette. The garment is designed to be worn with 2" to 4" positive ease, with slightly more ease at the bust than at the hip. This intentional ease allows for comfortable movement while maintaining the garment's elegant lines. The high hip-length hem can be customized; knitters desiring a longer finished length can add additional rows, though extra yarn will be required.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Ascella is designed to showcase the luxurious qualities of Valley Yarns Westhampton, a 100% Pima cotton yarn. Each ball contains 50 grams and provides 109 yards of yardage. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 6 balls for the smallest size (XS) to 15 balls for the largest size (5XL). The pattern shown is worked in color 19 - Linen, a neutral shade that highlights the cotton's natural hand and drape.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in both 16" and 24"–40" lengths, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. The recommended gauge is 24 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked. Achieving this gauge is essential for the garment to fit as designed, particularly given the fitted nature of the silhouette. Additional materials needed include stitch markers, stitch holders, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Difficulty Level

The Ascella is rated as Advanced Beginner difficulty, making it accessible to knitters with some foundational experience. While the construction involves multiple techniques—including in-the-round knitting, transitioning to flat knitting, and stitch marker management—the straightforward stockinette base and clear pattern structure make it manageable for intermediate knitters ready to expand their skills.