Valley Yarns Kohl Lace Pullover Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Kohl Lace Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Kohl Lace Pullover is a minimalist knit sweater designed by Kirsten Hipsky, constructed from just four rectangular pieces: a back, front, and two sleeves. This pullover features an open, airy lace stitch pattern throughout, creating a flattering and breathable garment. The sweater is available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, with finished measurements from 35 inches to 51 inches across the bust, designed to fit with 5 to 8 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed silhouette.

Techniques Used

The Kohl Lace Pullover employs seamed construction and is worked flat on circular needles, making it an ideal project for knitters who prefer working back and forth rather than in the round. The sweater begins with a stretchy cast-on method—the Old Norwegian Cast-On or another elastic cast-on technique—to ensure flexibility at the garment edges. After the initial cast-on rows, the body and sleeves are worked in a lace pattern until they reach the desired length. The finishing process involves seaming the shoulder seams while leaving approximately 10 inches open in the center for the neckline opening, then attaching the sleeves to the body and seaming the side and sleeve seams. A simple neckline is created by picking up stitches around the neck edge and working a few rows before binding off loosely. This straightforward construction method allows knitters to focus on executing the lace stitch without managing complex shaping.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is the Lace Pattern, which creates the signature openwork texture of this pullover. The pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches including knit (K), knit through the back loop (K1b), and knit 2 together (K2tog), along with yarn overs that are characteristic of lace knitting. These decreases and yarn overs work together to create the decorative openness that defines the garment's aesthetic. The pattern is worked over multiple rows, with the instructions specifying that pieces end on a wrong-side row before binding off. The neckline finishing uses basic knit stitches worked over just a few rows for a simple, refined edge.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Kohl Lace Pullover requires Valley Yarns Hampden yarn, a luxury blend composed of 50% Baby Alpaca, 35% Fine Merino Wool, and 15% Mulberry Silk. Each hank weighs 50 grams and yields 95 yards. Yarn quantities range from 9 hanks for the smallest size (XS) to 15 hanks for the largest size (XL). The recommended color is Cloudy Sky. Alternatively, the pattern notes that the original version was knit using Valley Yarns Deerfield, an 80% Baby Alpaca and 20% Silk blend (50g/109yds), requiring 9 to 13 balls depending on size.

Needles required include US size 8 (5.0mm) circular needles: a 16-inch needle for the neckline and 24 to 32-inch needles for the body and sleeves, or the size needed to achieve the correct gauge. The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in the Lace Pattern, blocked, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as Intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with some experience. While the rectangular construction eliminates the complexity of fitted shaping, the lace stitch pattern requires familiarity with yarn overs, decreases, and reading pattern instructions. The straightforward four-piece construction and lack of armhole or waist shaping make this an accessible introduction to lace knitting for intermediate-level crafters.