Valley Yarns Tulloch Tartan Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Tulloch Tartan Poncho

What is Being Made

The Tulloch Tartan is a sophisticated poncho designed by Julie Turjoman, perfect for fans of versatile layering pieces and dramatic statement outerwear. This garment features a super-sized plaid pattern created through strategic color work, offering lightweight warmth with a luxurious hand feel. The poncho includes a ribbed cowl neck and ribbed cuffs that enhance coziness, making it an ideal choice for chilly evenings. Available in three sizes—Small (Medium, Large)—with finished bust measurements of 42 (54, 66) inches and a length of 25 (25½, 26) inches, the design fits with 6 to 8 inches of positive ease for comfortable layering over other garments.

Techniques Used

This advanced beginner knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its striking appearance and construction:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The poncho is worked from the hem upward, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length as needed
• Seamless Knitting: The design utilizes seamless construction methods, reducing finishing work and creating clean, professional results
• Stripe and Plaid Colorwork: Multiple contrast colors are incorporated to create the dramatic tartan pattern, with subtle color interplay that keeps the piece eminently wearable despite its bold visual statement
• Flat Knitting: The garment is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, providing flexibility in pattern execution and easier management of the colorwork sections
• Ribbed Edgings: K2/P2 ribbing is worked for both the cowl neck and cuffs, creating vertical purl stitch "channels" that run across the length of the piece and contribute to its structured, polished appearance
• Three-Needle Bind-Off: This technique is used to join sections securely while maintaining the professional finish

Stitches Used

The Tulloch Tartan pattern relies on fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the main body, creating a smooth, classic fabric that showcases the colorwork
• K2/P2 Ribbing: Used for the cowl neck and cuffs to create elasticity, structure, and the distinctive vertical texture that frames the garment
• Knit and Purl Stitches: The foundation for all pattern work, combined strategically to achieve the tartan effect
• Decrease Stitches: K3tog (knit 3 together) and other decreases are incorporated as needed for shaping

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Tulloch Tartan is crafted using Valley Yarns Northfield, a premium blend that delivers exceptional quality and wearability. The yarn composition of 70% Merino Wool, 20% Baby Alpaca, and 10% Silk creates a fiber with outstanding softness, breathability, and a luxurious hand feel. Each skein weighs 50 grams and provides 124 yards of yardage.

Yarn Requirements by Size:

• Main Color (#18 - Pine Green): 12 (14, 16) skeins
• Contrast Color 1 (#17 - Navy Blue): 2 skeins
• Contrast Color 2 (#06 - Wine): 2 skeins
• Contrast Color 3 (#24 - Stone Blue): 2 skeins

Needles and Tools: The pattern requires US Size 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles in 16-inch and 24 to 40-inch lengths for the main fabric, with an extra US Size 6 needle reserved for the three-needle bind-off. US Size 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles or 9 to 12-inch circular needles are used for the ribbed cuffs, along with US Size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in 16-inch and 24 to 40-inch lengths. Additional materials include stitch markers, a size 6/G crochet hook, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge and Construction Notes

The pattern is worked to a gauge of