Valley Yarns Marsanne Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Marsanne Pullover Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Marsanne is a stylish pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman that combines traditional cable knit detailing on the bodice with modern design elements. The sweater features a single asymmetrical pocket that provides contemporary balance to the classic cable pattern, making it an ideal weekend wardrobe piece. Available in sizes XS through 4XL, the finished bust measurements range from 33½ inches to 61½ inches, accommodating a wide range of body types with 1 to 4 inches of positive ease depending on the size selected.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs multiple construction techniques to create a well-fitted garment. The sweater is worked flat on straight needles for most sections, allowing for precise shaping and cable placement on the front bodice. Strategic seaming joins the various pieces together for a polished finish. The design incorporates bottom-up construction, meaning knitters begin at the lower edge and work upward toward the shoulders and neckline. Sections are also worked in the round using circular needles, particularly for the ribbed cuffs and neckline finishing. Cable knitting forms the decorative focal point on the bodice, requiring careful stitch manipulation and attention to pattern repeats. The pattern includes waist shaping through strategic decreasing to create a flattering silhouette, and short-row shaping techniques are employed for proper fit through the shoulders and upper back.

Stitches Used

The Marsanne pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with more advanced techniques. Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric base, created by knitting right-side rows and purling wrong-side rows when working flat, or knitting every round when working in the round. Ribbing in a K2, P2 pattern (knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches) creates the elastic cuffs and neckline edging, providing stretch and recovery. Cable stitches on the bodice require knitters to slip stitches onto cable needles, hold them to the front or back of the work, and cross them over active stitches to create the traditional twisted rope effect. Decreasing stitches is accomplished through methods including knit 2 together (K2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases, which are used symmetrically for waist shaping. The pattern also incorporates wrap and turn short-row shaping for shoulder and upper back contouring.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Marsanne calls for Valley Yarns Worthington, a premium blend yarn composed of 50% wool, 25% alpaca, and 25% viscose. This fiber combination creates a tweedy texture with excellent drape and warmth. Each skein contains 50 grams and yields 174 yards of yardage. The color shown in the pattern is Cashew, a warm neutral tone. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 6 skeins for the smallest sizes (XS and S) up to 12 skeins for the largest size (4XL), providing approximately 1,044 to 2,088 total yards depending on the selected size.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern requires US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32-40 inch lengths for the main fabric, along with US size 5 double-pointed needles for working small circumferences. A US size 4 (3.50 mm) circular needle and matching double-pointed needles are used for the ribbed cuffs and neckline, creating a tighter gauge that provides elasticity. An extra US size 5 needle is needed for the three-needle bind-off technique that joins shoulders. The pattern gauge is 24 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US size 5 needles, making accurate gauge swatching essential for proper fit.

Additional Materials

Beyond yarn and needles, knitters will need stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and shaping points, stitch holders or waste yarn to temporarily hold stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.