1247 Danakil - Jumper Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Westfield by Valley Yarns

Pattern Summary: Valley Yarns #1247 Danakil Pullover Sweater Knitting Pattern

The Valley Yarns #1247 Danakil is an intermediate-level women's pullover sweater knitting pattern designed by Julie Turjoman and published by Valley Yarns. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern offers a sophisticated and architecturally interesting construction that goes well beyond a standard pullover, making it an engaging and rewarding project for knitters who are ready to move past beginner techniques. The design is notable for its elegant A-line silhouette, fluid drape, and generous positive ease, making it a flattering and wearable garment for a wide range of body types.

What Is Being Made

The Danakil is a women's pullover sweater — also known as a jumper — worked in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, and 4XL. The finished bust measurements range from 34½ inches to 62¼ inches, and the pattern is designed to fit with 4 to 6 inches of positive ease, meaning the finished garment will be intentionally larger than the wearer's actual bust measurement for a relaxed, comfortable fit. Knitters who prefer a closer fit are advised to work one size smaller than their usual size.

The sample garment shown in the pattern photography is knitted in Size S in Color 109 Persimmon, a warm, rich tone that beautifully showcases the surface sheen of the yarn blend used.

Design Details and Construction

What sets the Danakil apart from a conventional pullover is its unique and thoughtful construction. The sweater features two key design elements that give it its distinctive character:

• Front central garter ridge: The front of the sweater includes a central garter ridge that runs vertically from the base of the neckline down to the base of the bodice, where it opens toward the hem. This creates a subtle but eye-catching vertical detail that draws the eye and adds textural interest to the front panel.
• Deep inverted back pleat in reverse stockinette: The back of the sweater is shaped with a deep inverted pleat worked in reverse stockinette stitch. This pleat is a structural and aesthetic feature that accentuates the A-line shaping of the garment, contributes to its fluid drape, and adds volume and movement to the back panel. The depth of the inverted back pleat is intentionally balanced by the depth of the front opening below the bust, creating a harmonious and well-considered design.

The sweater body is worked in one piece in rows from the bottom up. The fronts are joined together below the bust, after which the piece is divided at the beginning of the armholes to accommodate the pullover construction. Shoulders are joined using the Three-Needle Bind-Off method, a clean and sturdy technique that creates a neat, finished seam at the shoulder line. Shoulder shaping is achieved with short rows, which create smooth, angled shoulder seams without the need for traditional stair-step bind-offs.

The sleeves are worked separately and feature ribbed cuffs that allow extra room for layering, making this sweater a practical choice for cooler weather or transitional seasons. The neckline is finished with a turtleneck worked in K2/P2 rib, adding warmth and a polished, classic look to the overall design.

Techniques Used

The Danakil pattern employs a range of techniques that make it well-suited to an intermediate knitter — someone comfortable with basic knitting and purling who is ready to tackle more complex construction methods and stitch patterns.

• Seamed construction: The garment is worked flat in pieces and then seamed together, requiring knitters to be comfortable with finishing techniques and seaming.
• Worked flat (in rows): Unlike top-down or fully circular constructions, the body of this sweater is worked back and forth in rows, which is a traditional approach well-suited to the shaped pleat and front opening details.
• Three-Needle Bind-Off: Used to join the front and back at the shoulders, this technique creates a strong, tidy seam and is worked with live stitches held on two needles simultaneously.
• Short rows: