Valley Yarns Obsidian Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Obsidian Sweater

Project Overview

The Valley Yarns Obsidian is a versatile knitted sweater designed by Julie Turjoman. This intermediate-level garment is engineered to transition seamlessly from professional settings to casual weekend wear. The sweater features a lacy construction that showcases the crisp stitch definition of its cotton-blend yarn, making it an elegant layering piece suitable for work, date nights, or pairing with jeans.

Construction Techniques

The Obsidian employs a hybrid construction method that combines seamless knitting in the round with flat knitting to create its final shape. The body is worked in the round from the bottom up to the armholes, then transitions to working back and forth for the upper sections. This approach minimizes seaming while allowing for precise shaping at the shoulders and neckline.

The pattern incorporates short-row wrap and turn shaping at the shoulders to create a custom fit without traditional seams. The neckline is finished using the three-needle bind-off technique, a professional method that joins two sets of live stitches together while simultaneously binding them off, creating a strong, invisible seam.

Stitch Work and Lace Details

The defining characteristic of the Obsidian is its arrow lace panels, which are worked throughout the garment to create an open, decorative pattern. The lace stitch pattern is repeated over 8 rows and worked at a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rounds over 4 inches when blocked. The lace construction is central to the sweater's aesthetic appeal, creating visual interest while maintaining breathability in the fabric.

Standard knitting abbreviations are used throughout the pattern, including decreases such as knit 2 together (K2tog), knit 3 together (K3tog), slip-slip-knit (ssk), and the slip-knit-pass-slipped-stitch-over decrease (Sk2p). Yarn overs (yo) are used to create the openwork characteristic of lace knitting.

Yarn and Materials

The Obsidian is knitted using Valley Yarns Granville, a premium blend of 90% Pima Cotton and 10% Merino Wool. This fiber composition provides excellent stitch definition while offering the breathability of cotton and the elasticity of wool. The yarn is worked at 167 yards per 50-gram skein, requiring between 5 and 10 skeins depending on the finished size.

The pattern calls for the color 02 Charcoal, a neutral shade that complements the lace pattern and versatile styling options. Knitters will need two sets of circular needles: US 5 (3.75mm) needles in 16-inch and 32-40 inch lengths for the main body, and US 4 (3.50mm) needles in the same lengths for ribbed sections or edgings. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Sizing and Fit

The Obsidian is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3XL, with finished bust measurements from 32 inches to 56 inches. The pattern is designed to be worn with 0 to 1 inch of positive ease, creating a close, refined fit that flatters the silhouette while allowing comfortable movement. The smallest size (shown in the pattern) is Size S with a 36-inch bust measurement.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Obsidian requires foundational knitting skills and familiarity with techniques such as working in the round, reading lace charts, and executing decreases. The short-row shoulder shaping and three-needle bind-off techniques add complexity but are supported by video tutorials referenced in the pattern instructions, making this project accessible to knitters ready to expand their technical skills.