Valley Yarns Kurrajong Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Kurrajong Pullover Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Kurrajong is a modern pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman, perfect for fall and chilly days. This intermediate-level knitting project features a slightly cropped length with subtle A-line shaping that creates a flattering silhouette. The sweater showcases an easy, contemporary lace motif inspired by the seedpod of the Australian Kurrajong tree, making it a stylish layering piece for seasonal dressing. Available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3XL with finished bust measurements from 34 inches to 58 inches, the sweater is designed to fit with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease.

Construction and Techniques

The Kurrajong employs a sophisticated construction method that combines multiple knitting techniques. The body is worked in the round from the bottom up using circular needles, creating a seamless construction in the lower sections. At the armholes, the piece is divided and worked flat (back and forth) from the armholes to the shoulders. This hybrid approach—combining seamless, in-the-round construction with flat knitting—allows for efficient shaping while maintaining design integrity.

The sweater features drop shoulders with minimal armhole shaping, contributing to its relaxed, modern aesthetic. Short-row shaping is used at the shoulders for a custom fit before seaming. Top-down sleeves are then worked straight down from the armholes to the cuffs, a practical approach that allows for easy length adjustments. The crewneck is finished by picking up stitches from live neckline stitches and working in the round.

Stitches and Lace Details

The pattern incorporates lace stitch work as its primary decorative element. The lace motif is worked using fundamental decreasing techniques including K2tog (knit 2 together) and SSK (slip, slip, knit) decreases, which create the openwork pattern inspired by the Kurrajong seedpod. The base fabric is worked in Stockinette stitch (knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows when working flat, or knitting all rounds when working in the round). The pattern includes a lace stitch chart for working the design in the round, with clear abbreviations and instructions for repeating the motif. The design allows for customization—the sweater can be made longer by adding extra lace repeats beyond the standard cropped length.

Yarn and Materials

The Kurrajong is designed to be knitted in Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky, a luxurious blend of 85% Merino Wool and 15% Baby Alpaca. This yarn is noted for its super-soft hand and comes in 100-gram skeins with 108 yards per skein. The project requires 6 to 11 skeins depending on size (6 skeins for XS and S, 7 for M, 8 for L, 9 for XL, 10 for 2XL, and 11 for 3XL). The sample shown is knitted in Cream (Color 1).

Needles required include US size 10 (6.00 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32-40 inch lengths for working in the round, as well as US size 10 (6.00 mm) double-pointed needles (DPN) for smaller circumference sections such as the neckline. Knitters should select needle sizes to achieve the specified gauge. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, locking stitch markers for securing live stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 12 stitches and 16 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The sweater is available in seven sizes with bust measurements of 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, and 58 inches, accommodating a wide range of body types and fit preferences.