Valley Yarns Honeycrisp Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Honeycrisp Long Tunic Sweater

What is Being Made

The Honeycrisp is an intermediate-level long tunic sweater designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. This piece features a sophisticated mock turtleneck and deep split side hems that create elegant vertical lines. The tunic is designed to be worn with 6–8 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit, making it suitable for layering through fall and spring seasons. Available in sizes XS through 5XL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 36½ inches to 68½ inches, this sweater accommodates a wide range of body types.

Techniques Used

The Honeycrisp employs a sophisticated combination of knitting techniques to achieve its refined construction. The garment is primarily worked in the round for the body and hem sections, which eliminates the need for seaming in these areas and creates a seamless finish. The tunic is also worked flat in separate pieces for the front and back sections above the armholes, allowing for precise shaping and fit adjustments. The construction follows a bottom-up approach, beginning with the hem and progressing upward to the neckline and sleeves.

The split side hems are worked flat in two separate pieces with stitch markers delineating the body from the decorative side borders. These hem pieces feature texture stripes that add visual interest before being joined and worked in the round for the main body. Short-row shaping is used at the shoulders to enhance fit and create a more tailored silhouette. The Three-Needle Bind-Off method is employed to join the front and back pieces at the shoulders, creating a strong, professional seam. The mock turtleneck is picked up around the neckline and worked before the sleeves to minimize bulk at the neck opening. Sleeves are picked up from the armholes and worked downward, a technique that allows for seamless integration with the body.

Stitches Used

The Honeycrisp features stockinette stitch as its primary stitch texture, creating the clean, classic lines that define the garment's elegant simplicity. Ribbing serves as the standout design detail throughout the pattern, appearing in the mock turtleneck and sleeve cuffs where it provides both visual interest and functional stretch. The deep split side hems incorporate texture stripes that add surface variation and sophistication to the tunic's otherwise streamlined design. These classic stitch textures work together to create a timeless piece that remains stylish across seasons.

Materials and Yarn

The Honeycrisp is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Savoy, a DK-weight yarn composed of sustainable and recycled fibers: 30% recycled wool, 5% recycled cashmere, 35% Ecovero viscose, and 30% recycled polyamide. Each ball contains 50 grams and yields 137 yards. The yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 9 balls for the smallest size (XS) to 21 balls for the largest size (5XL). The pattern features the colorway Lily Pond, a variegated tweedy palette that adds subtle surface interest to the tunic's clean lines.

Needles required include US size 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32–40-inch lengths, along with a matching set of double-pointed needles for working in the round. US size 5 (3.5 mm) circular needles in 16-inch length and double-pointed needles are used for the mock neck and sleeve cuffs, creating a tighter gauge for these ribbed sections. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needles, measured after steam- or mist-blocking. Additional materials include stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Design Features and Construction Details

The Honeycrisp's most distinctive feature is its deep split side hems, which create elegant vertical lines and add movement to the silhouette. The mock turtleneck provides a cozy, refined neckline that works well for fall and spring wear. The combination of bottom-up construction with both seamless in-the-round and worked-flat sections allows for a garment that is both comfortable to wear and straightforward to construct. The strategic use of short-row shaping at the shoulders ensures a professional fit that flatters various body types. This intermediate-level pattern balances classic design principles with modern sustainable yarn choices, creating a versatile piece suitable for multiple seasons and styling options.