Valley Yarns Nashira Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Nashira: Color-Blocked Cotton Knit Tee

What Is Being Made

The Nashira is a waist-length, short-sleeved tee designed by Julie Turjoman, featuring striking color blocking paired with boxy shaping and drop shoulders. This garment is an ideal warm-weather piece that combines modular construction with contemporary styling. Available in sizes XS through 5XL, the finished bust measurements range from 34 inches to 65½ inches, with the garment designed to fit with 4–6 inches of positive ease for a relaxed, comfortable silhouette.

Construction and Techniques

The Nashira employs a sophisticated modular construction method that minimizes seaming and creates visual interest through strategic color placement. The garment is worked in sections, beginning with the center front and back panels, which are constructed using a combination of two-color stripes alternating with solid color blocks. This approach allows knitters to build the garment methodically while creating the distinctive color-blocking effect that defines the design.

The front and back side sections are worked sideways from stitches picked up along each long side of the center panel, a technique that significantly reduces the amount of seaming required to complete the garment. Once the front and back sections have been joined at the shoulders and sides, stitches are picked up around the armholes and worked in the round to create the short sleeves. The boat neck and sleeve edges are finished with a contrast color, adding definition and a polished appearance to the completed tee.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Nashira is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric that showcases the color blocking and texture of the yarn. The stockinette stitch is worked on the larger needles to achieve the specified gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when blocked. Smaller needles are used for the hems, creating subtle shaping and a refined finish at the edges of the garment.

Yarn and Materials

The Nashira is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Montague, a 100% cotton yarn with a distinctive soft hand and boucle texture that adds surface interest and visual depth to the color blocking. The yarn requirements vary by size, with Color A (Grass) requiring 2–5 hanks depending on size, Color B (Blue) requiring 4–8 hanks, and Color C (Natural) requiring 1–3 hanks. The boucle texture of the Montague yarn enhances the dimensional quality of the finished garment, making it particularly suitable for warm-weather wear.

Construction requires US size 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles in 16-inch, 24-inch, and 32–40-inch lengths for the main fabric, with US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in the same lengths used for the hems. Additional materials include 4 locking stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn for managing stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Skill Level and Difficulty

Rated as Adventurous Beginner level, the Nashira is accessible to knitters with foundational skills who are ready to expand their technical abilities. The modular construction approach and use of straightforward stockinette stitch make it manageable for intermediate knitters, while the techniques of picking up stitches, working in the round, and managing multiple color sections provide valuable skill-building opportunities. The pattern's design allows knitters to work at their own pace through each section, making it an excellent project for those seeking to develop confidence with more advanced construction methods.