40th Anniversary 02 Thornes Pullover - Jumper Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Valley Superwash DK

Thornes Pullover – Women's Turtleneck Knitting Pattern by Amy Herzog for Valley Yarns

The Thornes Pullover is a classic, comfortable women's turtleneck pullover designed by Amy Herzog as part of the Valley Yarns Guest Designer Series. This intermediate-level knitting pattern produces a beautifully understated garment worked in reverse stockinette stitch, which gives the fabric a soft, approachable texture and subtly plays down the color variation in the slightly variegated yarn. Ribbed trim and twisted stitch detailing add a refined, polished finish to what is otherwise a timeless wardrobe staple.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a seamed, bottom-up pullover sweater with a turtleneck collar, designed to be worn by women with 1–2 inches of ease in the upper torso. The finished garment is available in six sizes, with the following finished bust measurements:

• 32, 35¼, 40½, 43¾, 47¼, and 54 inches

Finished lengths range from 20¼ inches to 25½ inches depending on size, making this a versatile mid-length pullover suitable for a wide range of body types.

Construction and Techniques

The Thornes Pullover is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, worked-flat method. This means each major piece — the back, front, and sleeves — is knitted separately as flat panels, then sewn together using a darning needle. This traditional construction approach gives knitters precise control over shaping and results in a structured, well-fitted garment. Seamed construction is particularly well-suited to intermediate knitters who are comfortable with finishing techniques and want a sweater with excellent stitch definition and stability at the seams.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

The pattern makes use of several key stitches and techniques, including:

• Reverse stockinette stitch – the primary fabric stitch, worked by purling on the right side and knitting on the wrong side, creating a soft, purl-textured surface
• Stockinette stitch – used as a reference for gauge and likely for interior or contrast sections
• Ribbing – used for trim at the cuffs, hem, and turtleneck collar, providing elasticity and a neat finish
• Twisted stitches – worked as k1b (knit 1 through back loop) and p1b (purl 1 through back loop), adding subtle textural detailing and visual interest
• m1L and m1R increases – directional make-one increases used for shaping, created by lifting the strand between stitches and knitting into it to avoid holes
• ssk – a left-leaning decrease worked by slipping two stitches as if to knit, then knitting them together through the back loops
• ssp – a left-leaning purl decrease, worked by slipping two stitches, returning them to the left needle in their new orientation, and purling through the back loops

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern is written specifically for Valley Yarns Valley Superwash DK, a 100% superwash wool yarn that comes in 50g skeins with approximately 137 yards per skein. The colorway used in the sample is color 13 Forest, a slightly variegated shade whose tonal shifts are softened beautifully by the reverse stockinette fabric. Depending on size, the pattern requires:

• 8 skeins for the smallest size (32" bust)
• 9–13 skeins for mid-range sizes
• 15 skeins for the largest size (54" bust)

Superwash wool is an excellent choice for a garment like this — it offers the warmth and stitch definition of traditional wool while being machine-washable, making the finished pullover practical for everyday wear.

For needles, the pattern calls for US size 5 (3.75mm) straight or circular needles as the primary size