Valley Yarns Turtledove Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Turtledove Knit Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Turtledove is a boxy, oversized pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman. This short-sleeved pullover features a generous square neckline and boatneck construction, creating a modern silhouette with beautiful drape. The sweater is designed as a versatile capsule wardrobe piece that pairs equally well with skirts or jeans, making it an essential addition to any knitter's collection.

Design Features and Fit

This intermediate-level knit offers a contemporary aesthetic with practical styling. The sweater is available in sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust measurements from 35½ inches to 64½ inches, accommodating 6-8 inches of positive ease for the intended oversized fit. The design showcases lace shoulder panels that add visual interest and elegance to the piece while maintaining the sweater's wearable, everyday appeal.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Bottom-Up Construction: The sweater is worked from the bottom upward, allowing knitters to try on the piece as they progress and easily adjust length if needed
• Seamed Assembly: Front and back pieces are worked flat and then seamed together, providing clean, professional finishing
• Worked Flat: The body pieces are knitted flat on circular needles rather than in the round, giving knitters control over shaping and pattern placement
• Lace Patterning: Decorative lace panels are incorporated at the shoulders, adding textural interest and visual sophistication to the design

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Turtledove employs fundamental knitting stitches combined with lace work. The primary fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit surface. The lace stitch sections feature decreases and yarn overs that form the decorative shoulder panels. Essential techniques include knit 2 together (K2tog) and knit 3 together (K3tog) decreases for shaping, slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases for left-leaning decreases, and slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (Sk2p) for double decreases commonly used in lace patterns. The pattern also incorporates reverse stockinette stitch edging for a finished appearance.

Yarn and Materials

The Turtledove is designed to be knitted with Valley Yarns Granville, a luxurious blend of 90% Pima Cotton and 10% Merino Wool. This fiber combination provides softness, breathability, and gentle elasticity ideal for a summer or transitional-season sweater. The pattern requires 6 to 14 skeins depending on size, with each skein containing 50 grams and 167 yards. The sample shown is knitted in Color 14 Raspberry Sorbet, a vibrant hue that showcases the yarn's beautiful drape and the lace detailing.

Needles and Gauge

The sweater is knitted using US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in both 16-24 inch and 32-40 inch lengths. The longer circular needle accommodates the larger cast-on stitches for the body, while the shorter needle is used for smaller sections. Achieving proper gauge is essential for fit: the pattern specifies 23 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when blocked, and 25 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in lace stitch when blocked. Gauge should be checked on both the stockinette and lace sections to ensure accurate finished measurements.

Additional Materials and Tools

Beyond yarn and needles, the Turtledove pattern requires standard knitting notions: stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and shaping points, stitch holders or waste yarn for temporarily securing stitches during assembly, and a tapestry needle for seaming pieces together and weaving in ends. These tools are essential for achieving a polished, professional-looking finished garment.

Skill Level and Construction Notes

Rated as an intermediate project, the Turtledove is suitable for knitters with