1273 - Chionodoxa - Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Haydenville by Valley Yarns

Pattern 1273 Chionodoxa – Intarsia Colorblock Tunic Knitting Pattern for Women by Susan Baron

Pattern 1273 Chionodoxa, designed by Susan Baron and published by Valley Yarns, is a knitting pattern for a women's colorblock tunic sweater. The design is described as the perfect comfortable, warm layering piece to style with jeans, falling at high-thigh length for a relaxed, casual silhouette. It serves as an approachable introduction to the intarsia colorwork technique, making it an ideal next step for knitters who are ready to move beyond single-color projects.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a pullover tunic sweater worked in two colors using the intarsia method to create distinct color sections within the same row. The tunic is designed with a generous fit, offering 5 to 7 inches of positive ease, giving it a relaxed, comfortable drape. It is available in eight sizes ranging from XS through 4XL, with finished bust measurements spanning 35¼ inches up to 64 inches. The length ranges from 24 to 28½ inches depending on size, placing the hem at the high thigh. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in size S.

Colorwork Design and Intarsia Technique

The defining design feature of Chionodoxa is its use of the intarsia technique to work two separate colors within the same row. Unlike stranded colorwork, intarsia uses separate yarn supplies for each color section rather than carrying yarn across the back of the fabric. This creates a clean, single-layer fabric without floats, making it well suited to bold geometric or colorblock designs. The pattern uses a Main Color (MC) and a Contrast Color (CC), allowing knitters to choose their own combination from the available shades of Valley Yarns Haydenville. The sample is shown in Color 08 Navy as the MC and Color 04 Light Grey as the CC.

Skill Level and Techniques

The pattern is labeled Adventurous Beginner by Valley Yarns, meaning it is accessible to knitters who have mastered basic skills but are ready to try something new. The intarsia colorwork is introduced in a straightforward way, making this an excellent first intarsia project. Knitters working this pattern can expect to use the following techniques:

• Intarsia colorwork – working separate yarn sections in different colors across the same row
• Basic knit and purl stitches – forming the foundation of the fabric
• Shaping – for armholes, shoulders, and neckline construction typical of a fitted tunic
• Joining yarn – managing multiple yarn supplies for intarsia sections

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written specifically for Valley Yarns Haydenville, a worsted weight yarn with a fiber content of 60% superwash Merino wool and 40% acrylic microfiber, sold in 100g skeins of 220 yards. The superwash treatment makes the finished garment easy to care for, while the Merino wool content provides softness and warmth. The acrylic microfiber adds durability and stitch definition. The yarn is available in a variety of colors, encouraging knitters to personalize their colorblock combination.

Yarn quantities required are as follows:

• Main Color (MC): 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) (11, 12, 13) skeins – shown in Color 08 Navy
• Contrast Color (CC): 2 (2, 3, 3, 3) (3, 4, 4) skeins – shown in Color 04 Light Grey

Needles

The pattern calls for US 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles, including a 16-inch circular needle, which is typically used for working smaller circumferences such as neckbands or sleeves in the round. Additional needle lengths