978 Turtledove - Jumper Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Granville

Pattern 978 Turtledove: A Boxy Lace-Shoulder Pullover for Women by Julie Turjoman

The 978 Turtledove is a women's knitting pattern designed by Julie Turjoman and published under the Valley Yarns brand. It produces a boxy, short-sleeved pullover featuring a striking square neckline, generous oversized silhouette, and elegant lace shoulder panels. This is a versatile, capsule-wardrobe piece designed to pair effortlessly with everything from casual jeans to flowing skirts, making it a must-have project for any knitter looking to build a stylish, wearable wardrobe.

Design Overview

The Turtledove pullover is defined by its relaxed, boxy fit with 6–8 inches of positive ease built into every size, giving it a comfortable, contemporary silhouette. The square boatneck opening adds a modern architectural quality to the neckline, while the lace shoulder panels introduce a delicate, decorative element that elevates the garment beyond a simple everyday pullover. The short sleeves keep the design seasonally flexible, making it suitable for layering in cooler months or wearing alone in warmer weather. The overall drape of the finished fabric is a key design feature, achieved through the careful selection of yarn.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is written specifically for Valley Yarns Granville, a sport weight yarn with a fiber composition of 90% Pima Cotton and 10% Merino Wool. Each skein contains 50 g and approximately 167 yards. The cotton-dominant blend gives the finished pullover a beautiful, fluid drape with a soft hand, while the merino content adds a touch of elasticity and stitch definition. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted in Color 14 Raspberry Sorbet.

• Yarn: Valley Yarns Granville (90% Pima Cotton / 10% Merino Wool), sport weight, 50 g / 167 yds per skein
• Yardage Required: 6 (7, 8, 10, 11) (12, 13, 14) skeins depending on size
• Needles: US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in both 16–24" and 32–40" lengths, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Additional Materials: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, and a tapestry needle for finishing

Gauge

Achieving accurate gauge is essential for this pattern, particularly given the generous positive ease built into the sizing. The required gauge is 23 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on US size 5 (3.75 mm) needles. Knitters are encouraged to swatch carefully, as the cotton-blend yarn may behave differently from pure wool and can relax slightly after washing.

Sizing

The Turtledove pattern is available in a wide range of sizes to suit many body types:

• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL
• Finished Bust Measurements: 35½ (39½, 44, 48, 52) (56½, 60½, 64½) inches
• The sample garment shown in the pattern photography is knitted in Size S

Construction Method

The Turtledove pullover is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-flat, seamed approach. This is a traditional construction method in which the front and back body pieces are knitted separately from the lower hem upward, then joined using seams. The sleeves are similarly worked flat and seamed into the armholes. This method gives knitters excellent control over shaping and produces clean, structured seams that add stability to the garment — particularly beneficial when working with a cotton-blend yarn that has less inherent memory than pure wool.

Bottom-Up Construction

Working from the bottom up means the knitter begins at the hem edge and works toward the shoulders, allowing for easy length adjustments early in the project. Ribbing or other edging details at the hem and cuf