Valley Yarns Pollia Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Pollia Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

Pollia is an intermediate-level knit pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman. This plush garment features an intricate cable pattern on the front that extends across saddle shoulders, making it an ideal project for cable enthusiasts. The sweater is designed to fit with 2–4 inches of positive ease and is available in sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust measurements from 32½ inches to 59 inches. The garment is appropriate for three-season wear and is shown in size S.

Techniques Used

Pollia employs several classic knitting techniques to create its distinctive structure:

• Bottom-up construction: The pullover is worked from the bottom up in separate pieces, allowing for easy customization and fitting adjustments
• Worked flat: The body and sleeves are worked back and forth on circular needles rather than in continuous rounds, except for the final ribbed crew neck
• Seamed construction: Pieces are seamed together after completion for a polished finish
• Saddle shoulder shaping: A classic detail that extends the cable pattern up the shoulders from the center of the sleeves, creating a seamless visual flow
• Worked in the round: The ribbed crew neck is picked up from live neckline stitches and worked in the round for a finished edge
• A-line body shaping: Extra stitches are added to the first row of the body to compensate for the cable's natural inward pull, creating a flattering silhouette

Stitches Used

The stitch work in Pollia combines texture and visual interest through strategic pattern placement:

• Cable stitches: A detailed 32-stitch or 38-stitch cable pattern (depending on size) forms the focal point of the front panel, measuring 5 inches or 6 inches wide when blocked. A narrow version of this cable runs up the center of each sleeve and across the shoulder strap
• Reverse stockinette stitch: Used on the back and sleeves to offset the prominent front cable panel, creating visual contrast and allowing the cable detail to stand out
• Ribbed crew neck: A classic 1×1 or similar ribbed pattern finishes the neckline, providing stretch and a polished appearance

Materials and Yarn

Valley Yarns Pollia is designed to be worked with Valley Yarns Valley Superwash DK, a yarn composed of 100% Extra Fine Merino Superwash. The yarn is available in 50-gram skeins with 137 yards per skein. The pattern shown features the color 24-Passion Plum. Yardage requirements range from 1,370 yards for the smallest size (XS) to 2,740 yards for the largest size (4XL).

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for both US size 6 (4.00 mm) and US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in 16-inch and 24–40-inch lengths. The larger needles are used for the main fabric, while the smaller needles are used for ribbed edgings. Gauge is critical for proper fit: 22 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches in reverse stockinette stitch on the larger needle when blocked. Cable pattern gauges vary by size, with the 32-stitch cable measuring 5 inches and the 38-stitch cable measuring 6 inches when blocked.

Additional Materials

Beyond yarn and needles, knitters will need stitch markers, locking stitch markers, a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, a stitch holder or waste yarn for holding live stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.