Specifications
| Brand: | Valley Yarns |
| Yarn Weight: | Bulky, DK | Light Worsted, Worsted |
| Designer: | Kirsten Hipsky |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Pages: | 2 |
| Skill Level: | Advanced Beginner |
| Finished Size: | To Fit Bust:36" to 52” |
| Techniques and Construction: | Bottom Up, Seamed, Worked Flat |
| Pattern Code: | B1 |
Product Description
With several neck options, Valley Yarns B1 Basic Pullover with dropped shoulders is hugely versatile and a fantastic way to experiment with different yarns. This pattern is knit in pieces, bottom-up.
Finished Measurements: 36 (40, 44, 48, 52)” chest
Yarn Requirements:
DK Weight – Approximate 1200 (1400, 1600, 1800,
2000) yards
Worsted Weight – Approximately 1000 (1200, 1400,
1600, 1800) yards
Bulky Weight – Approximately 800 (900, 1000, 1100,
1200) yards
Needles: In a size that gives you the desired gauge and needles a
size or two smaller for the ribbing, also 16” circular in the smaller size for
the neck ribbing.
Gauge: It’s especially important to make a gauge swatch
for this pattern. Knit a large swatch (4” - 6” square) at the gauge you’d
prefer for the yarn. Most yarn has a recommended gauge on its tag, which is a
useful guideline. Wash and block the swatch the same way you’ll wash the
sweater. Measure how many stitches and rows you have in 4” (this helps
accommodate for an uneven gauge), then divide by 4 to figure out how many
stitches and rows you have per inch.
In order to knit at any gauge, directions are given in
inches instead of a stitch count. So if the directions say to cast on 20” worth
of stitches for your size, and your gauge is 4 sts to the inch, you’ll cast on
80 sts.
Valley Yarns Basic Pullover
What Is Being Made
The Valley Yarns Basic Pullover is a classic crew neck, turtleneck, or mock turtleneck sweater designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This versatile knit garment is available in five finished sizes ranging from 36" to 52" in circumference, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The pullover features a timeless silhouette with long sleeves and a crew neckline as the standard option, with the flexibility to customize the neckline style according to personal preference.
Techniques Used
This sweater is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, and worked-flat approach, which is ideal for knitters who prefer working on straight needles rather than in the round. The garment is built in separate pieces—front, back, and two sleeves—that are later joined together through seaming. This method allows for easier stitch counting and row tracking, making it particularly accessible for advanced beginner knitters. The finishing process involves sewing shoulder seams and attaching sleeves by lining up the sleeve cap centers with shoulder seams and the lower sleeve edges with side body markers.
Stitches Used
- Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch throughout the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a V-pattern appearance on the right side
- Ribbing (K1, P1): Used for the cuff at the base of each sleeve, providing elasticity and a finished edge that hugs the wrist. The ribbing is worked for 1" or to the desired length before transitioning to stockinette stitch
- Knit and Purl combinations: The ribbing pattern alternates single knit stitches with single purl stitches to create the characteristic textured edge
Construction Details
The back and front pieces are worked flat in stockinette stitch to specific lengths depending on the chosen size. The front differs from the back by being 4" shorter, allowing room for neckline shaping. Neck shaping is achieved through a three-step process: the center third of stitches are bound off, and then decreases are worked at each neck edge for two right-side rows, creating a gradual slope that frames the face comfortably.
The sleeves are constructed with a ribbed cuff at the base, followed by stockinette stitch with strategic increases. Increases of 1 stitch at both the beginning and end of every 4th row continue until the sleeve reaches the desired width (ranging from 16" to 24" depending on size), after which the sleeve is worked straight without further shaping until it reaches the target length of 18" to 22" from the cast-on edge.
Materials and Yarn Weights
The Valley Yarns Basic Pullover accommodates three different yarn weight options, allowing knitters to choose based on their preferred fabric weight and drape:
- DK Weight: Approximately 1200 to 2000 yards depending on size (smallest to largest)
- Worsted Weight: Approximately 1000 to 1800 yards depending on size
- Bulky Weight: Approximately 800 to 1200 yards depending on size
This flexibility means knitters can select yarn based on personal preference, seasonal considerations, or stash availability. DK weight will produce a lighter, more delicate garment, while bulky weight creates a warmer, denser fabric.
Needles and Gauge
The pattern requires straight needles in a size appropriate to achieve the desired gauge with your chosen yarn, along with needles one or two sizes smaller for working the ribbed cuffs. Additionally, 16" circular needles in the smaller size are needed for the neck ribbing, allowing for easy working of the small circumference neckline.
Gauge is emphasized as critically important for this pattern. Knitters are instructed to create a large gauge swatch measuring 4" to 6" square using the needles and yarn combination they plan to use. The swatch should be washed and blocked using the same method intended for the finished sweater, as this ensures accurate stitch and row counts. Most yarn labels provide recommended gauge information, which serves as a useful starting point for swatch creation.
Skill Level
Classified as an advanced beginner project, the Valley Yarns Basic Pullover is well-suited for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and simple shaping but are ready to tackle a full garment with multiple pieces and finishing techniques. The straightforward stockinette and ribbing stitches, combined
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