Valley Yarns Selma Pullover Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Selma Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Selma Pullover is a light layering sweater designed by Kirsten Hipsky, featuring bold color blocks in a relaxed fit. This seamless pullover is available in seven size options, with finished chest measurements ranging from 36 inches to 60 inches, accommodating bust sizes from 30-32 inches up to 54-56 inches. The garment showcases a modern aesthetic combining solid color sections with a comfortable, easy-to-wear silhouette suitable for layering.

Construction Technique

The Selma Pullover is constructed using a seamless top-down raglan method, worked entirely in the round from the yoke downward. This approach eliminates the need for seaming and allows knitters to try on the garment as it develops. The yoke begins with a small cast-on and increases are strategically placed at raglan lines to create the proper shaping for the shoulders and upper body. Once the yoke reaches its full width, the sleeves are separated and worked independently in the round, while the body stitches are held on a longer circular needle for later completion.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Selma Pullover is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The design incorporates color blocking through striping, achieved by working rounds in two distinct colors from Valley Yarns Southampton yarn. Increases are worked using the knit front and back (kfb) stitch, a common method for creating raglan shaping. Finishing edges feature garter stitch ridges, created by alternating purl and knit rounds, which adds textural definition and helps prevent curling at the neckline and cuffs.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Selma Pullover is designed to be knitted with Valley Yarns Southampton, a luxurious blend of 72% Kid Mohair and 28% Mulberry Silk. This yarn is exceptionally lightweight and airy, making it ideal for a layering piece. Yardage requirements vary by size: the two smallest sizes require 2 skeins of color 019 cloudy sky (color A) and 1 skein of color 010 blue lagoon (color B), while the largest sizes call for 4 skeins of color A and 2 skeins of color B. Each skein of Southampton contains 230 yards and weighs 25 grams, providing ample yardage for this top-down construction.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for US size 9 (5.50mm) circular needles in two lengths: a 16-inch needle for working the yoke and sleeves, and a 32-inch needle for the body once it reaches full width. Knitters should verify their gauge before beginning; the pattern specifies a gauge of 4 stitches and 6 rows per 1 inch in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit.

Skill Level

The Selma Pullover is rated as advanced beginner difficulty. While the seamless, top-down raglan construction and in-the-round knitting techniques require some experience beyond absolute beginner level, the straightforward stockinette stitch and logical shaping make this an accessible project for knitters developing intermediate skills. Familiarity with circular needle techniques, marker placement, and basic increases is assumed.

Key Design Features

• Seamless construction worked entirely in the round from yoke to hem
• Top-down raglan shaping for easy fit adjustments and try-ons
• Bold color blocking created through strategic yarn color changes
• Separate sleeve cap construction with underarm stitches cast on for proper sleeve cap depth
• Relaxed, comfortable fit suitable for layering over base layers
• Garter stitch edge finishes at neckline and cuffs for definition and stability
• Lightweight, breathable fabric from luxury mohair-silk blend yarn