Valley Yarns Taconic Turtleneck Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Taconic Turtleneck

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Taconic Turtleneck is a luxurious worsted weight pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman. This cozy layering piece features a modern silhouette with a high neckline and a distinctive asymmetrical hem—the back is longer than the front, creating contemporary style while side splits provide ease of movement. Available in seven sizes ranging from 39.5" to 63.5" bust (worn with 3–4" positive ease), this turtleneck is crafted from a premium cashmere-wool blend yarn that works up quickly, making it an ideal project for cool weather wear.

Techniques Used

The Taconic Turtleneck employs a combination of construction methods to achieve its finished design. The garment is worked flat for the body and sleeves, then worked in the round for the turtleneck collar. Assembly uses seaming to join pieces together, with a 3-needle bind-off technique for finishing. The pattern incorporates short-row shaping (wrap and turn) to create custom fit and shaping details. This bottom-up construction allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length as needed.

Stitches Used

The Taconic Turtleneck features two primary stitch patterns that work together to create visual interest and texture:

• Stockinette Stitch: The main stitch used throughout the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric surface. The pattern is worked at a gauge of 4 stitches and 6 rows per 1 inch when blocked.
• Seeded Rib Pattern: Used as decorative accents, this textured stitch creates a subtle, sophisticated detail. The seeded rib is worked differently depending on construction method—when worked flat, it uses a multiple of 4 stitches plus 3 over a 2-row repeat; when worked in the round for the turtleneck, it uses a multiple of 4 stitches over a 2-round repeat. The pattern alternates knit and purl stitches to create a refined, speckled appearance.

Additional stitch techniques include knit 2 together (K2tog), slip, slip, knit (ssk), and slip, slip, purl (ssp) for decreasing, as well as yarnovers for textural elements.

Materials and Tools

The Taconic Turtleneck is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Taconic, a premium yarn blend composed of 70% Merino Wool and 30% Cashmere. This luxurious fiber combination provides softness, warmth, and breathability ideal for layering garments. Yardage requirements range from 1,250 yards (10 skeins) for the smallest size to 2,500 yards (20 skeins) for the largest, with each skein containing 125 yards at 50 grams. The pattern specifies color 514575 Red.

Needles required include US size 8 (5.0 mm) straight needles for working flat, a 16-inch circular needle and 24-inch circular needle in the same size for working in the round, and double-pointed needles (dpn) for the turtleneck ribbing. An additional straight needle is needed for the 3-needle bind-off finishing technique.

Essential notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, 6 locking stitch markers for holding stitches at key points, 6 stitch holders or waste yarn for securing live stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as Advanced Beginner, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle more complex projects. The combination of flat and circular knitting, seaming, and short-row shaping provides excellent skill-building opportunities while remaining accessible to experienced intermediate knitters.