Valley Yarns Pavonis Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Pavonis Pullover Sweater

What is Being Made

The Pavonis is a top-down pullover sweater designed by Susan Baron for Valley Yarns. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a lightweight, breathable pullover perfect for cool spring and fall weather. The sweater features a distinctive expanding cable yoke that provides visual interest while the body remains in classic stockinette stitch. Available in sizes XS through 4XL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 33½ inches to 64¾ inches, the Pavonis is designed to fit with 3 to 5 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Pavonis employs several advanced knitting techniques that make it suitable for intermediate-level knitters:

• Top-Down Construction: The sweater is knit from the neck downward, allowing for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the garment as you work.
• Seamless, In-the-Round Knitting: The yoke and body are worked in the round using circular needles, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, professional finish.
• Cable Yoke Design: The yoke features an expanding number of stitches incorporated directly into cable patterns, separated by narrow lines of reverse stockinette stitch. This integration of increases into the cable work creates a cohesive, flowing design.
• Sleeve Separation and Top-Down Sleeve Knitting: Stitches for the sleeves are placed on holders while the body is completed. The sleeves are then worked downward from the dividing point to the cuffs, minimizing finishing work and seaming.
• Stretchy Cast-On: The pattern calls for the Old Norwegian cast-on method or another stretchy cast-on technique to ensure the neckline has adequate stretch and comfort.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Pavonis uses fundamental knitting stitches combined in strategic ways:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the body of the sweater, creating a smooth, classic fabric.
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch: Used in narrow vertical lines within the yoke to separate and frame the cable patterns, providing textural contrast.
• Cable Stitches: The yoke features cable patterns that expand as stitches increase, creating a dynamic, three-dimensional texture. These cables are worked using a cable needle to cross stitches over one another.
• Make One (M1) Increases: Strategic increases are worked throughout the yoke rounds to expand the garment while incorporating the increases into the cable patterns themselves.

Materials and Fiber Content

The Pavonis is designed to be knit in Valley Yarns Goshen, a premium blend fiber that makes this sweater ideal for transitional seasons. Goshen consists of 48% Peruvian Cotton, 46% Modal, and 6% Silk, creating a soft, supple yarn that drapes beautifully. Each skein weighs 50 grams and provides 92 yards of yardage. Yarn requirements range from 11 skeins for the smallest size (XS) to 24 skeins for the largest size (4XL). The natural color option shown in the pattern photographs provides a versatile, neutral base that works with any wardrobe.

Needles and Tools Required

The pattern calls for a specific needle setup to accommodate the top-down construction and in-the-round knitting:

• Larger Needles (US Size 7 / 4.50 mm): 16-inch, 24-inch, and 32–40-inch circular needles, plus double-pointed needles for working in the round.
• Smaller Needles (US Size 6 / 4.00 mm): 16-inch and 24–40-inch circular needles, plus double-pointed needles for the ribbed cuffs and neckline.
• Additional Tools: Stitch markers to denote the beginning of round and cable pattern positions, stitch holders or scrap yarn to hold sleeve stitches, a cable needle for crossing stitches in cable patterns, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Fit

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rounds equal 4