Valley Yarns Bloodstone Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Bloodstone Knitted Halter-Style Top

What Is Being Made

The Bloodstone is a versatile halter-style knitted top designed by Julie Turjoman. This intermediate-level sweater is engineered for multiple occasions—perfect under a jacket for professional work settings, dressed up for evening outings, or worn casually with jeans on weekends. The garment is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust measurements from 32½" to 60", offering a flattering fit with 0 to 1 inch of positive ease.

Techniques Used

The Bloodstone employs several construction techniques to create its structure and visual interest. The garment is worked in the round using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction and efficient knitting without requiring seaming. The pattern also incorporates bottom-up construction, meaning the piece is knit starting from the cast-on edge and progresses upward toward the neckline. This approach gives knitters control over fit and allows for easy length adjustments. Additionally, lace elements are incorporated into the design, adding delicate texture and visual appeal. The combination of these techniques creates a garment that is both structurally sound and aesthetically interesting while remaining relatively straightforward for intermediate-level knitters.

Stitches Used

The Bloodstone features a clean, accessible stitch palette. Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric, created by knitting right-side rows and purling wrong-side rows (or knitting all rounds when working circularly). This classic stitch produces a smooth, refined surface that showcases the yarn's texture beautifully. The pattern also incorporates an unusual rib stitch pattern that adds visual interest and structural definition to the garment. The rib pattern is strategically placed to create side shaping and design elements. Standard decrease stitches are used for shaping, including knit two together (K2tog), slip-slip-knit (ssk), and knit three together (K3tog) decreases. These decreases are worked during the waist shaping phase to create a fitted silhouette. The combination of stockinette and rib creates a balanced fabric with both fluidity and subtle texture.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Bloodstone is designed to be knitted with Valley Yarns Montague, a breathable yarn composed of 100% organic cotton. The yarn is available in 50-gram skeins, each containing 110 yards. The project requires 7 to 15 skeins depending on the finished size selected—smaller sizes (XS through M) need 7 to 9 skeins, while larger sizes (L through 4XL) require 10 to 15 skeins. The pattern shown was photographed in Size 36¾" using color 10 Raisin, a sophisticated neutral shade.

Two sizes of US circular needles are required: US size 7 (4.50 mm) needles in both 16" and 32"–40" lengths are used for the main fabric, while US size 6 (4.00 mm) needles in 16" and 32"–40" lengths are used for ribbed sections or edgings where a tighter gauge is desired. The specified gauge is 20 stitches and 26 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Why This Yarn Choice Works

Organic cotton is an ideal fiber for this halter-style top because it creates a softly textured, breathable fabric that drapes elegantly and remains comfortable in warm weather or layered settings. The pima cotton used in Valley Yarns Montague is known for its lustrous finish and durability, ensuring the finished garment will maintain its shape and beauty through regular wear and washing. The 110-yard skeins provide efficient yardage for a fitted garment, while the yarn weight is substantial enough to create a fabric with good stitch definition in both stockinette and rib patterns.