Valley Yarns Autumn Glory Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Autumn Glory Vest

What Is Being Made

The Autumn Glory is a generously sized, three-season vest designed by Julie Turjoman. This intermediate-level knitting project features a mock neck collar and falls to mid-hip length. The vest is constructed to fit with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease, making it a comfortable layering piece suitable for cool weather wear. Available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with finished bust measurements from 30¾ inches to 65½ inches, this design accommodates a wide range of body types.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Autumn Glory employs several construction techniques to create both visual interest and structural integrity. The vest is worked in the round from the hem up to the armholes, allowing for seamless construction through the body. Once the armholes are reached, the piece is divided and the front and back upper body sections are worked flat in rows to the shoulders. Seaming is minimal, occurring only at the shoulders, which speeds up finishing. Short-row shaping is incorporated into the shoulder sections to enhance the fit and create a more tailored silhouette. The mock neck is created by picking up stitches around the neckline and working them in a rib pattern. This bottom-up construction method allows knitters to try on the piece as it progresses and adjust length as needed.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Autumn Glory features simple stitch textures that add visual appeal while remaining manageable for intermediate knitters. The primary stitch pattern combines 8-stitch cables separated by columns of reverse stockinette and stockinette stitch, creating vertical lines of texture that run from the hem to the armholes. These cable panels measure 1⅞ inches wide by 1¾ inches in height when worked on the US 6 needle and blocked. The upper body sections transition to a rib stitch pattern, worked back and forth in rows. The mock neck features ribbed construction, which provides stretch, comfort, and a cozy finish suitable for cool weather. The body is primarily worked in stockinette stitch, the foundational knit stitch that creates a smooth, classic fabric.

Gauges and Measurements

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The stockinette stitch section should measure 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when worked on US 6 needles and blocked. The rib stitch pattern gauge is slightly tighter at 28½ stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches on the same needle size. These gauges ensure that the finished bust measurements—ranging from 30¾ inches in XS to 65½ inches in 5XL—are accurate.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Autumn Glory is designed to showcase Valley Yarns Ashfield, a premium yarn blend composed of 67% Fine Merino Wool and 33% Bamboo Viscose. This fiber combination provides the ideal balance of drape and softness, making the vest comfortable against the skin while allowing it to hang elegantly. The yarn is available in the colorway 03 - Light Brown. Yarn requirements range from 6 hanks for the smallest size (XS) to 14 hanks for the largest size (5XL), with each hank containing 50 grams and 117 yards. This yardage allows knitters to create a substantial, well-fitting garment.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles in 32-inch or 40-inch lengths, as well as double-pointed needles in the same size, for working the main body in the round. A US 5 (3.75 mm) 16-inch circular needle and double-pointed needles are used for the neck ribbing, creating a slightly tighter gauge that provides structure and prevents stretching. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, stitch holders for managing live stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Construction Overview

The Autumn Glory combines multiple construction methods into a cohesive design. The body begins at the hem and is worked upward in the round, incorporating the cable and stockinette stitch patterns. Once the armholes are reached, the knitter divides the stitches and works the front and back sections separately in rows, introducing the rib stitch pattern and short-row shaping for shoulder fit. The minimal seaming—only at the shoulders—reduces finishing time while maintaining