004 Longboat Key - KE Gulf Coast Collection - Jumper Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns

Longboat Key – KE Gulf Coast Collection Jumper Knitting Pattern for Women by Julie Turjoman

About This Pattern

Longboat Key is a women's knitting pattern designed by Julie Turjoman as part of the Valley Yarns Gulf Coast Collection. It produces a boxy, drapey cap-sleeve V-neck tee that captures a relaxed, summery aesthetic. The generous positive ease of 3–5 inches gives the finished garment a body-skimming, laid-back silhouette that works equally well as a standalone warm-weather top or as a lightweight layering piece over a tank or shirt in spring and fall. The pattern is rated Intermediate in skill level, making it an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with shaping, working both flat and in the round, and seaming finished pieces together.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

The pattern is written for a wide range of sizes to suit many body types:

• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, and 4XL
• Finished Bust: 35¼ (38¼, 43, 46¼, 50¾) (54, 58¾, 61¾) inches
• Length from Hem to Underarm: 15 (15, 16, 16, 16) (17, 17, 17) inches

The sample shown in the pattern photography is knitted in Size M. The pattern also notes that the body length can be extended beyond the stated measurements if a longer fit is preferred, though additional yarn will be required for any such modification.

What Is Being Made

Longboat Key is a pullover jumper — specifically a casual, warm-weather tee silhouette featuring a V-neckline and cap sleeves. The boxy cut and drapey fabric give it a modern, effortless feel. Its versatility as both a standalone summer top and a transitional layering piece makes it a practical addition to any handknitted wardrobe. The design is intentionally simple and wearable, prioritizing comfort and breathability in its construction and yarn choice.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs a combination of construction methods that intermediate knitters will find familiar and satisfying to work through:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is worked from the hem upward, allowing knitters to easily adjust the body length before reaching the underarm.
• Worked in the round: Circular needles are used for portions of the construction, particularly for the body, which helps minimize purling and creates a smooth stockinette fabric efficiently.
• Worked flat: Certain sections, such as the front and back pieces or shaping areas, are worked back and forth in rows on circular needles.
• Seamed construction: The finished pieces are joined using seaming techniques, giving the garment structure and a clean, polished finish typical of classic knitwear construction.

The combination of working in the round and working flat is common in seamless-adjacent construction methods and gives knitters experience transitioning between the two approaches within a single project.

Stitches Used

While the full stitch list is contained within the downloadable PDF, the garment's design and fabric suggest use of fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for an intermediate-level project:

• Stockinette stitch — the primary fabric stitch, producing the smooth, drapey surface characteristic of the design
• Ribbing or edging stitches — typically used at hems, cuffs, and necklines to provide a neat, stable finish
• Decrease and increase stitches — used for V-neck shaping and cap sleeve shaping

The drapey quality of the finished fabric is achieved in large part through the yarn choice rather than complex stitch patterns, keeping the focus on clean lines and wearability.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is designed specifically for Valley Yarns Leverett, a DK weight yarn with a fiber composition of 70% Pima Cotton and 30% Linen, available in 50g/109-yard hanks. The sample is shown in