Valley Yarns Valencia Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Valencia Knit Vest

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Valencia is a gender-neutral knit vest designed by Susan Baron. This layering piece provides warmth, comfort, and style for all wearers. The vest features a distinctive cable center front panel that creates visual interest and divides at the V-neck. Available in eight sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished chest measurements from 35 inches to 57½ inches, the Valencia is designed to fit with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Techniques and Construction Methods

The Valencia employs multiple advanced knitting techniques suited for adventurous beginners. The garment is primarily worked in the round using circular needles, which creates a seamless construction and minimizes seaming. The front and back pieces are worked in the round and then divided at the underarms for efficient construction. Short-row shaping is used to create custom shoulder fit, and shoulders are joined using a three-needle bind-off technique for a professional finish. The design also incorporates bottom-up construction, where the knitter begins at the cast-on edge and works upward toward the neckline.

The vest features a prominent cable panel running down the center front, which serves as both a design element and a structural feature that divides the V-neck. This cable work adds textural depth and visual dimension to an otherwise simple silhouette. The body begins with a K2/P2 ribbed cuff worked over 2 inches, which provides elasticity and helps the vest maintain its shape.

Stitches Used

The Valencia utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with cable work:

• Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric of the vest body, creating a smooth, classic appearance
• K2/P2 Ribbing is used for the cuff and ribbed sections, providing stretch and structure
• Body Cable is a 26-stitch repeat cable pattern worked over 20 rows, measuring 4¼ inches wide and 2½ inches high when blocked. This cable repeats throughout the length of the garment until the desired underarm length is reached
• Knit and purl stitches form the foundation of both the stockinette and ribbed sections

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Valencia is designed to showcase Valley Yarns Savoy, a luxurious blended yarn. Savoy is composed of 30% recycled wool, 5% recycled cashmere, 35% viscose, and 30% recycled polyamide, offering a sophisticated combination of natural and sustainable fibers. Each ball contains 50 grams and provides 137 yards of yardage. The sample shown is knit in colorway 1703–Wood Grain. Yarn requirements range from 5 balls for the smallest size (XS) to 12 balls for the largest size (4XL).

The pattern calls for circular needles in two sizes: Size 7 (4.5mm) needles measuring 24 to 32 inches long for the main body knitting, and Size 6 (4.0mm) needles in both 16-inch and 24 to 32-inch lengths for ribbed sections and cast-on. A cable needle is required for manipulating stitches during cable work. Additional materials include stitch markers (with one locking stitch marker for marking the beginning of round), stitch holders for holding stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger size needles, measured after blocking. The Body Cable pattern gauge is 26 stitches and 20 rows per 4¼ inches wide and 2½ inches high. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the vest to fit correctly across all eight size options.