Valley Yarns Paprika Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Paprika Turtleneck Vest

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Paprika is an intermediate-level knitted turtleneck vest (slipover) designed by Julie Turjoman. This deeply textured pullover features a classic fall aesthetic and is sized for a range of body types, from XS through 4XL. The finished garment hits at the low hip and is designed to fit with 0–2 inches of positive ease, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for cooler seasons.

Construction and Techniques

The Paprika vest is constructed using a seamed, flat-worked approach. The main body is knitted in two separate pieces—a front and back—from the hem edge up to the shoulders. Once the body pieces are complete, they are seamed together. The ribbed turtleneck is then worked in the round, with stitches picked up from the front and back neck edges and worked upward in K2/P2 ribbing.

This mixed construction method combines the advantages of flat knitting for shaping the body with circular knitting for the seamless neckline, creating a garment that is both structurally sound and comfortable to wear.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Paprika incorporates several key stitch patterns:

• Cable Stitch: A repeating cable pattern is worked on each side of both the front and back panels, creating the signature textured appearance that defines this vest.
• Garter Stitch: Garter stitch fills the center panels between the cable columns, providing visual contrast and textural interest.
• K2/P2 Ribbing: The turtleneck collar is worked in K2/P2 (knit 2, purl 2) ribbing, which provides stretch and a classic finished edge.

The combination of cables and textured center panels on both the front and back creates a deeply dimensional fabric that is both visually striking and structurally supportive.

Materials and Gauge

The Paprika is designed to be knitted in Valley Yarns Valley Superwash DK, a yarn composed of 100% Extrafine Superwash Merino Wool. This fiber choice ensures the garment is both soft and durable, with easy-care washability. The yardage requirement ranges from 8 balls (for smaller sizes) to 16 balls (for the largest sizes), with each ball containing 50 grams and 137 yards.

The pattern calls for US size 6 (4.00 mm) circular needles in multiple lengths (16", 24", and 32"–40") as well as double-pointed needles for the ribbed sections. A smaller US size 4 (3.50 mm) needle is used for the initial ribbed hem and the turtleneck ribbing. Additional materials include a cable needle, stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, and a tapestry needle for seaming.

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 42 rows over 4 inches in Garter stitch on the larger needles when blocked, and 24 stitches over 2½ inches in Cable stitch pattern on the larger needles when blocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

Sizing and Fit

The Paprika is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust measurements from 29¾ inches (XS) to 63 inches (4XL). The garment is designed to fit with minimal positive ease, allowing knitters to choose a size based on their natural bust measurement or to size up for a more relaxed fit. The vest hits at the low hip, making it suitable for layering over long-sleeved shirts or worn as a standalone piece during transitional seasons.