1223 Kenai Fjords - Sweater Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Goshen

1223 Kenai Fjords – Women's Jumper Knitting Pattern by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns Goshen

The Kenai Fjords jumper (pattern #1223) is a beautifully textured women's pullover designed by Julie Turjoman and published by Valley Yarns in 2022. Described as a "sampler tee," this design brings together multiple stitch patterns in a single garment, making it an ideal project for intermediate knitters who want to explore new textures within a structured, wearable framework. The finished piece features a classic boat neckline and a flattering A-line silhouette, with the option to knit it in either a high-hip or mid-hip length, giving knitters flexibility in how they style the finished jumper.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a women's knitted pullover jumper worked in sizes XS through 4XL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 32 inches to 64 inches and designed to be worn with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease. The hip circumference ranges from 36¼ to 67 inches across the full size range. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted in Size S at mid-hip length. The A-line shape is achieved through subtle decreases worked at the end of each Twist Stitch pattern section, which naturally accommodates the changing stitch counts inherent in those textured panels. The upper bodice is constructed in two separate pieces before being joined and finished.

Construction Techniques

The Kenai Fjords jumper is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, worked-flat approach. Knitting the pieces flat and seaming them together is a deliberate structural choice — the seams provide added support and stability to the fabric, which is particularly important given the soft drape and pliability of the yarn used. This is a classic garment construction method that experienced knitters will recognise, and it gives the finished jumper a polished, structured appearance similar to a traditionally tailored knitwear piece.

• Bottom-up construction: The garment begins at the hem and is worked upward toward the shoulders, allowing the knitter to establish the A-line shaping gradually as the fabric grows.
• Seamed and worked flat: Individual pieces — front, back, and upper bodice sections — are knitted flat and then seamed together using a tapestry needle, adding structural integrity to the finished garment.
• A-line shaping: Decreases are integrated into the Twist Stitch pattern sections to create a smooth, subtle taper from hip to bust without disrupting the textured stitch patterns.
• Two length options: Knitters can choose between a high-hip length or a mid-hip length, with yarn requirements adjusted accordingly for each option.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

True to its identity as a sampler-style design, the Kenai Fjords jumper incorporates a range of stitch patterns that work together to create visual interest and texture across the garment. This approach introduces knitters to several techniques within a single manageable project.

• Cables: Cable stitches create twisted, rope-like columns of fabric by crossing groups of stitches over one another. They add dimension and a classic handcrafted quality to the jumper's surface.
• Lace: Lace knitting involves deliberate yarn-overs and decreases to create decorative openwork patterns. In a warm-weather jumper like this one, lace panels enhance breathability and visual lightness.
• Twist Stitches: The pattern references Twist Stitch patterns as a key structural and decorative element. Twist stitches are worked without a cable needle by crossing stitches on the needle itself, producing a subtle twisted texture that is faster to work than traditional cables.
• Hem Ribbing Pattern #1: A specific ribbing pattern is used at the hem, with its own gauge — 22 stitches and 26 rounds to 4 inches — indicating a denser, more elastic fabric at the lower edge of the garment.
• Stockinette stitch: The primary gauge fabric is stockinette, worked at 20 stitches and 28 rounds to 4 inches