1220 Kobuk Valley - Sweater Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Leverett

Pattern Summary: 1220 Kobuk Valley – Women's Sleeveless Knitting Pattern by Julie Turjoman

The 1220 Kobuk Valley is an advanced-level women's knitting pattern designed by Julie Turjoman and published by Valley Yarns. It produces a sophisticated, hip-length sleeveless topper — sometimes called a jumper or vest — that functions as a refined layering piece for three-season wear. The design is notable for its reversible construction: both the front and back feature identical V-neck shaping, meaning the garment can be worn either way. A relaxed A-line silhouette with 2–4 inches of positive ease gives the finished piece a body-skimming yet comfortable fit.

What Is Being Made

The Kobuk Valley topper is a sleeveless, hip-length knitted garment for women, available in sizes XS through 4XL. The finished bust measurements range from 34 inches (XS) to 61¼ inches (4XL), and the length from hem to underarm ranges from 15 to 17 inches depending on size, with the option to lengthen further with additional yarn. The sample shown in the pattern photography is knitted in Size S.

A defining feature of the design is its cabled front panel — a bold, structured column of cable stitches that runs the full length of the body. This cable panel splits at both the lower hems and at the base of the V-neck, creating an elegant architectural detail that frames the neckline and adds visual interest at the hem. The split-and-rejoin construction of the cable is central to the garment's sophisticated character.

Construction and Techniques

The Kobuk Valley pattern uses a combination of techniques that place it firmly in the experienced/advanced skill level category. Knitters should be comfortable with cables, short-row shaping, seaming, and working both flat and in the round before attempting this project.

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is worked from the hem upward, beginning with the split hem sections and working toward the neckline.
• Worked flat (back and forth): Both the front and back panels are knitted as flat pieces, allowing for precise shaping and cable management.
• Worked in the round: Circular needles are used at various stages of construction, including for finishing details.
• Seamed finishing: The two main body pieces are joined at the sides and shoulders by seaming, which adds structure and stability to the finished garment.
• Split and rejoined cable panels: The left and right hem sections for both front and back are worked separately first, then joined at the top of the hems so the cables combine into a single central panel. At the neckline, the cable splits again — a technically demanding and visually striking construction method.
• A-line decrease shaping: Gradual side decreases are worked into the body to create the gently tapered A-line silhouette.
• Short-row shoulder shaping: Short rows are used at the shoulders to improve fit and drape without relying solely on bind-off steps.
• Reverse stockinette rolled hems: Narrow reverse stockinette edges at the bottom hem, armhole edges, and neckline create a clean, self-finishing rolled border that keeps the visual focus on the cable work.

Stitches Used

The Kobuk Valley pattern draws on several classic knitting stitches and stitch patterns:

• Stockinette stitch: Used for the main body fabric; gauge is measured in stockinette at 20 stitches and 28 rows to 4 inches, blocked.
• Reverse stockinette stitch: Used for the rolled hem edges at the bottom, armholes, and neckline.
• Cable stitches: The central cable panel is the design's signature element, requiring a cable needle to execute the crossings that form the textured, rope-like cable motif.
• Short rows: Used in shoulder shaping to create smooth, fitted shoulder lines.
• Decrease shaping stitches: Worked into the