Skipperling Sweater in Valley Yarns Hampden - 1075 - Downloadable PDF

Skipperling Sweater in Valley Yarns Hampden – Pattern #1075 by Julie Turjoman

The Skipperling Sweater is a relaxed, sweatshirt-inspired pullover designed by Julie Turjoman and published by Valley Yarns as pattern #1075. Available as a downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level knitting pattern reimagines casual weekend wear with luxurious materials and thoughtful construction details. The design features a drawstring funnel neck, a sweatshirt-style front pocket, cable-accented sleeves and hem borders, and a generous fit with 4–6 inches of positive ease — making it both practical and elevated.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

The pattern is offered in nine sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, and 5XL, shown in Size S. Finished bust measurements range from 35 inches (XS) to 67 inches (5XL), and finished lengths range from approximately 26¼ inches to 32¾ inches depending on size, making this a versatile pattern for a wide range of body types.

Yarn: Valley Yarns Hampden

The pattern calls for Valley Yarns Hampden, a DK weight yarn composed of 50% Baby Alpaca, 35% Fine Merino Wool, and 15% Mulberry Silk. Each hank contains 50g and approximately 95 yards. The sample is knitted in Color 11 – Evergreen. Yardage requirements range from 15 hanks (XS) to 34 hanks (5XL). This luxurious fiber blend offers a supple drape and excellent stitch definition, qualities that are particularly well-suited to the cable patterning featured throughout the design. The combination of baby alpaca's softness, merino wool's elasticity, and silk's subtle sheen gives the finished garment a refined, polished look despite its casual silhouette.

Needles and Notions

• US 6 (4.00mm) straight or circular needles — primary needles for the body and sleeves
• US 6 (4.00mm) 16–24 inch circular needles — for the funnel neck
• US 5 (3.75mm) 16–24 inch circular needles — for the pocket and I-cord
• Stitch markers, locking stitch markers, cable needle, stitch holders, and a tapestry needle

Gauge

Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needles, blocked. For the sleeve cable stitch pattern, gauge is 23 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches, also blocked using the larger needles.

Construction Method

The Skipperling Sweater is constructed using a seamed, worked-flat approach, meaning all major pieces — the front, back, and sleeves — are knitted separately as flat panels and then joined together. This method adds structure to the finished garment, which is particularly appropriate for a sweatshirt-style design intended to hold its shape over time.

• The cable hem borders are worked sideways, then turned so that stitches can be picked up along one selvage edge for both the front and back body panels — a clever technique that integrates the decorative border seamlessly into the garment structure.
• Shoulders are joined using the Three-Needle Bind-Off, a technique that creates a neat, sturdy seam while simultaneously binding off both shoulder edges.
• The sleeves are worked flat in an allover cable stitch pattern and then seamed into the armholes. Each wide sleeve begins with a narrow k1/p1 rib worked for 1 inch on the smaller US 5 needles before transitioning to the larger US 6 needles for the full cable pattern.