Valley Yarns Mansard Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Mansard Scoop Neck Pullover Sweater

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Mansard is an elegant, modern pullover tunic designed by Julie Turjoman. This intermediate-level knitting project features a scoop neckline and is constructed as a versatile three-season garment suitable for transitional weather. The sweater is designed to transition seamlessly from professional work settings to evening occasions, offering a dressy silhouette with feminine shaping. Available in sizes ranging from XS through 4XL, the Mansard accommodates a wide range of body types with finished bust measurements from 32¾ inches to 60¾ inches.

Construction Techniques

The Mansard is worked using a bottom-up seamed construction, meaning the body and sleeves are knitted separately from the lower edges upward, then joined together with seaming. The garment is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing knitters to work back and forth in rows. This approach provides excellent control over shaping and stitch placement, particularly important for the garment's feminine waist shaping and structured silhouette.

The pattern employs a 3-needle bind-off technique for joining sections, which creates a strong, professional seam. Knitters will use the long-tail cast-on method to begin the project, with video tutorial support provided in the pattern documentation.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Mansard is stockinette stitch, which creates the clean, smooth fabric characteristic of modern knitwear. This fundamental stitch is achieved by knitting every row on the right side and purling every row on the wrong side when working flat. The pattern includes delicate lace weight details incorporated into the bell sleeves, combining textural interest with the main stockinette construction.

Additional stitch techniques include increases and decreases to shape the waist and create the garment's feminine silhouette. Stitch markers are used throughout to help track pattern repeats and shaping points, while stitch holders or waste yarn temporarily hold stitches during construction before final assembly.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Mansard calls for two distinct yarns, each selected for specific qualities:

• Main Color (MC): Valley Yarns Colrain in Grape Jelly, a 50% Merino Wool and 50% Tencel blend. This yarn requires 9 to 16 balls depending on size, with each ball weighing 50 grams and providing 109 yards. The merino wool provides warmth and elasticity, while Tencel contributes beautiful drape and a subtle sheen, making this ideal for a garment intended to flow elegantly.
• Contrast Color (CC): Valley Yarns Southampton in color #17-Merlot, a delicate blend of 72% Kid Mohair and 28% Mulberry Silk. This yarn requires 2 to 3 balls depending on size, with each ball weighing 25 grams and providing 230 yards. The kid mohair creates a soft, fuzzy texture and adds lightness, while mulberry silk provides sheen and drape, perfect for the lace weight bell sleeve details.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern requires US size 7 (4.50 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32-40 inch lengths for the main knitting, plus an extra US size 7 needle for the 3-needle bind-off. A US size 6 (4.00 mm) circular needle in 16-inch and 32-40 inch lengths is also needed, likely for ribbing or edge work.

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The gauge is 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the main color only on larger needles, blocked. When the contrast color is carried along during knitting, the gauge adjusts slightly to 19 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches on larger needles, blocked. Blocking after completion ensures the finished garment achieves the intended dimensions and drape.

Additional Materials

Beyond yarn and needles, knitters will need a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming the garment pieces together. Stitch markers help organize the work and track pattern repeats, while stitch holders or waste yarn temporarily secure stitches during construction.

Skill