#1327 Ginkgo - Top Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Hawley

Pattern #1327 Ginkgo – Women's Knit Top Pattern by Valley Yarns

The Ginkgo top (pattern #1327) is a women's knitted tee designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. Released in 2023, this wardrobe-essential pullover combines elegant simplicity with subtle textural interest, making it a versatile piece suitable for a wide range of occasions. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF.

What Is Being Made

Ginkgo is a women's short-sleeve pullover top featuring a boatneck neckline, cap sleeves, and a flattering A-line silhouette. The upper body is distinguished by a knit-purl stitch pattern that adds visual texture and dimension, while the lower body flows into clean A-line shaping. The design is described by the designer as a wardrobe basic that always looks right, making it an ideal everyday layering piece or standalone top for warmer months.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern is sized to fit a wide range of bodies, offered in nine sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, and 5XL. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in size S. Finished bust measurements range from 32 inches to 64 inches, and the garment is designed to be worn with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease for a relaxed, comfortable fit.

Construction and Techniques

Ginkgo is constructed using a classic seamed, worked-flat method, meaning the front and back are each knitted as separate flat pieces and then joined together with seams. This approach produces just two main pieces, keeping the construction straightforward and approachable. Seaming is a foundational garment-finishing skill, and working flat on circular needles allows knitters to manage the stitch count comfortably across all sizes.

• Seamed construction – front and back worked as two separate flat pieces
• A-line shaping – gradual decreases create a silhouette that is wider at the hem and tapers toward the bust
• Cap sleeves – minimal sleeve shaping integrated into the upper body
• Boatneck neckline – a wide, horizontal neckline requiring minimal shaping
• Knit-purl stitch pattern – worked across the upper body to create textural contrast

Stitches Used

The primary stitch techniques used in this pattern include:

• Knit stitch – the foundational stitch used throughout the garment
• Purl stitch – combined with knit stitches in the upper body to form the decorative knit-purl stitch pattern
• A-line shaping decreases – used to shape the silhouette from hem to bust

The knit-purl combination in the upper body is a classic technique that creates raised or recessed texture depending on the arrangement of stitches, and it is particularly effective at showcasing the tweedy texture of the recommended yarn.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated Beginner, and the designer specifically notes that it makes a great first sweater project for a new knitter. The two-piece flat construction, minimal shaping, and simple stitch pattern make it an ideal introduction to garment knitting without overwhelming complexity. Knitters who are comfortable with basic knit and purl stitches and simple seaming will find this pattern very accessible.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Valley Yarns Hawley, a DK weight yarn with a luxurious fiber blend of 50% Cotton, 30% Silk, and 20% Nylon/Polyamide. Each ball contains 50 grams and 135 yards. The fiber composition gives the yarn a next-to-the-skin softness along with a subtle sheen from the silk content, while the nylon adds dur