Valley Yarns Tulip Pullover Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Tulip Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Tulip Pullover is a crew-neck, set-in sleeve pullover sweater designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This garment features a classic silhouette inspired by the bold, rich colors of spring tulips, offering an unexpected classic design suitable for advanced beginners. The sweater is available in seven size options, with finished bust measurements ranging from 36 inches to 60 inches, accommodating a wide range of body types.

Construction Techniques

This pullover is constructed using a top-down method, which allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust the fit accordingly. The sweater is worked flat on circular needles for the yoke sections before transitioning to in-the-round construction. The finished garment features seamed construction, with carefully placed seams that create clean, professional finishing details. The design incorporates strategic shaping techniques including wrap-and-turn short rows for shoulder shaping and targeted increases and decreases for underarm and waist shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Tulip Pullover is Stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a refined appearance. The pattern employs several advanced shaping techniques including:

• Wrap-and-turn short rows for seamless shoulder shaping
• Strategic increases at the underarm to create proper sleeve cap ease
• Waist decreases worked in pattern to maintain stitch definition
• Provisional cast-on for the back yoke, allowing for seamless joining

Materials and Specifications

The Tulip Pullover is designed to be knit with Valley Yarns Stockbridge, a premium blend of 50% Superfine Alpaca and 50% Wool. This yarn composition provides both softness and durability, making it ideal for a garment intended for regular wear. The yarn is worked at a gauge of 4.5 stitches and 6.5 rows per inch in Stockinette stitch.

The pattern requires US size 7 (4.50mm) circular needles in two lengths: a 16-inch needle for the yoke sections and either a 32-inch or 40-inch needle (depending on size) for working in the round on the body. US size 7 (4.50mm) double-pointed needles are also needed for sleeve cap shaping and finishing details.

Yarn Quantities by Size

The Tulip Pullover features a three-color colorwork design using distinct shades from the Valley Yarns palette:

• Color A (Deep Red): 2 to 4 skeins depending on size
• Color B (Red Purple): 2 skeins for all sizes
• Color C (Deep Purple): 7 to 14 skeins depending on size

Each skein of Valley Yarns Stockbridge contains 50 grams and yields 109 yards, allowing knitters to calculate yardage requirements for their chosen size. The largest size (60 inches finished bust) requires approximately 1,526 yards of yarn in total across all three colors.

Skill Level

Rated as advanced beginner, the Tulip Pullover is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle more complex shaping. The pattern requires competency with short-row shaping, seamless construction methods, and the ability to work both flat and in the round on circular needles.