Valley Yarns Citrumelo Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Citrumelo Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Citrumelo is an oversized pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. This three-season layering piece features a relaxed fit with 6–8 inches of positive ease, making it ideal for casual weekend wear. The finished length reaches the mid-hip in front with an additional inch of length in back, creating a flattering silhouette suitable for layering over other garments. Available in sizes XS through 5XL, the sample shown is size S with a finished bust measurement of 40 inches.

Construction Techniques

The Citrumelo employs a hybrid construction method that combines seamless knitting with flat working techniques. The body is worked in the round from the hem up to the underarms in stockinette stitch, creating a seamless tube. At the underarms, the piece is divided and worked flat in separate front and back pieces to the shoulders. This approach allows for efficient construction while providing the shaping control needed for tailored shoulder fit.

Shoulder shaping is accomplished using short rows, a technique that adds depth and dimension to the shoulder area for enhanced garment fit. The wide crew neckline is worked from stitches picked up around the neckline opening, allowing for a custom fit. The sleeves are worked down in the round from the armholes, creating seamless sleeves that flow smoothly from the body. This bottom-up construction approach gives knitters control over garment length and allows for adjustments based on yarn availability.

Stitch Patterns and Details

The primary stitch throughout the Citrumelo is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. The most distinctive design element is the use of wide three-color stripes worked in the round during the body construction. These bold horizontal stripes in three coordinating colorways add visual interest and style to the piece. The sleeves terminate in long ribbed cuffs that can be folded back for a customizable finish, providing both functional stretch and decorative detail.

Yarn and Materials

The Citrumelo is designed to showcase Valley Yarns Chester, a bulky weight yarn composed of 30% Superfine Alpaca and 70% Highland Wool. This fiber blend creates a yarn with a distinctive curly boucle surface texture and exceptional lightness, allowing the sweater to knit up quickly while remaining warm and breathable. The yarn is worked at a gauge of 8 stitches and 20 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles when blocked.

Yarn requirements vary by size. For the sample size S, knitters need:

• Color A (Cream 01): 7 skeins Valley Yarns Chester (100g/89 yards per skein)
• Color B (Bark 03): 3 skeins Valley Yarns Chester
• Color C (Rust 11): 3 skeins Valley Yarns Chester

Larger sizes require additional yardage, with the 5XL size requiring up to 12 skeins of Color A and 6 skeins each of Colors B and C. The finished length can be extended with additional yarn if desired.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires US size 11 (8.0 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32–40 inch lengths for the main body and in-the-round sections. A US size 10 (6.0 mm) circular needle in 16–24 inch length and double-pointed needles are used for the neckband and sleeve cuffs, creating a refined ribbed finish. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as Advanced Beginner, the Citrumelo is accessible to knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex construction. The combination of in-the-round knitting, color changes, short-row shaping, and seamless sleeve techniques provides excellent practice in intermediate methods while remaining achievable for those expanding their technical repertoire. The bulky yarn weight and quick gauge make progress visible and rewarding.