Valley Yarns 40th Anniversary Thornes Pullover Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns 40th Anniversary Thornes Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Thornes Pullover is a classic turtleneck sweater designed by Amy Herzog as part of Valley Yarns' Guest Designer Series. This comfortable, understated pullover features a reverse stockinette stitch fabric that creates a soft, approachable aesthetic. The design is intended to be worn with 1-2 inches of ease in the upper torso, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions. The sweater is available in six sizes with finished bust measurements ranging from 32 inches to 54 inches and lengths from 20¼ inches to 25½ inches.

Techniques Used

The Thornes Pullover is constructed using a bottom-up method with seamedworked flat on straight or circular needles, rather than in the round, allowing knitters to work back and forth in rows. This approach is common for garments that benefit from seaming for shaping and fit. The ribbed trim and twisted stitch detailing add structural interest and refined finishing touches to the neckline and cuffs.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Thornes Pullover is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric texture. The pattern employs reverse stockinette stitch as a design feature, created by purling on the right side and knitting on the wrong side. This reversal of the traditional stockinette structure produces the soft, subtle appearance characteristic of this design and makes the color variations in the slightly variegated yarn less pronounced.

Additional stitches and techniques include:

• Ribbing for the neckline trim and cuff details, providing elasticity and a finished appearance
• Knit 1 through back loop (k1b) and purl 1 through back loop (p1b) for twisted stitch detailing
• Make 1 left (m1L) and make 1 right (m1R) increases for shaping the body and sleeves
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) and slip, slip, purl (ssp) decreases for tailored shaping
• Bind off and cast on techniques for beginning and finishing edges

Materials

The Thornes Pullover is knitted with Valley Yarns Superwash DK, a 100% superwash wool yarn in color 13 Forest. The yardage required depends on size, ranging from 8 skeins (approximately 1,096 yards) for the smallest size to 15 skeins (approximately 2,055 yards) for the largest size. Each skein contains 137 yards and weighs 50 grams.

Needles required include US size 5 (3.75mm) straight or circular needles for the main fabric, along with 24-inch circular needles in the main size and one size larger for working the neckline. The gauge is 23¾ stitches and 35 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Additional materials needed are stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a stitch holder for temporarily securing stitches, and a darning needle for seaming the pieces together and weaving in yarn ends.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic skills. The intermediate classification reflects the combination of techniques involved, including shaping with increases and decreases, working with multiple needle sizes, seaming construction, and the use of special stitches like twisted knits and makes. Knitters should be comfortable reading pattern instructions, managing stitch counts, and executing seaming techniques to successfully complete this project.