Valley Yarns McIntosh Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns McIntosh Pullover Sweater

What is Being Made

The McIntosh is an intermediate-level pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman, featuring a modern split V-neck and luxurious cable detailing. This layering piece is crafted from Valley Yarns Hampden, a premium blend of 50% baby alpaca, 35% fine merino wool, and 15% mulberry silk that provides exceptional warmth, drape, and subtle sheen. Available in sizes XS through 5XL with finished bust measurements ranging from 33 inches to 61¾ inches, the sweater is designed to be worn with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The garment falls to mid-hip length, making it an ideal transitional piece for cool weather layering.

Techniques Used

The McIntosh employs a combination of construction techniques to achieve its structured, refined appearance. The sweater is worked flat in separate pieces rather than in the round, with each component—back, front, and sleeves—knitted individually and then seamed together for added structure and durability. The tapered long sleeves are worked separately, beginning at the cuff and progressing to the sleeve cap before being seamed into the armholes. The split V-neck is integrated during the main knitting process, and a neckband is subsequently worked from stitches picked up around the neckline. This multi-step approach allows for precise shaping and professional finishing.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The McIntosh showcases a sophisticated interplay between two primary stitch patterns. The sweater features luxe cable stitches as the focal point, worked in a structured pattern that conveys rugged refinement. These cables are complemented by small-scale filler stitches that provide visual interest without overwhelming the design. The body is constructed using both a Body Filler Stitch and a Body Cable Stitch pattern, allowing the designer to create dimension and texture throughout the garment. The combination of these stitches—cables paired with filler work—gives the sweater its distinctive character and modern sensibility while maintaining the timeless appeal of classic cable knitting.

Materials and Tools

The McIntosh requires Valley Yarns Hampden yarn in the colorway Lizard (10). Yardage needs vary by size, ranging from 12 hanks for the smallest size (XS) to 25 hanks for the largest size (5XL), with each hank containing 95 yards. The yarn's composition of baby alpaca, fine merino wool, and mulberry silk creates a luxurious fiber blend suitable for a refined layering sweater.

Needles required include size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in 16-inch and 32 to 40-inch lengths, plus double-pointed needles for smaller circumferences, and size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles in 16-inch and 24-inch lengths for ribbed edgings and the neckband. The pattern calls for additional materials including stitch holders or waste yarn for managing stitches, a cable needle for executing cable stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing Information

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this intermediate project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in the filler stitch when worked on the larger size needles and blocked. For the cable stitch pattern specifically, 15 stitches measure 2¼ inches on the larger needles when blocked. These measurements ensure that the finished sweater will meet the intended dimensions and drape beautifully. The pattern is graded across nine sizes, allowing knitters to select the appropriate size based on desired finished measurements and preferred ease.