1117 - Loch - Jumper Knitting Pattern for Men in Valley Yarns Northfield by Valley Yarns

1117 Loch Men's Jumper Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

The 1117 Loch is an unisex Fair Isle pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. This sophisticated jumper features stranded colorwork motifs strategically positioned on the upper sleeves and lower chest, creating visual interest while remaining achievable for less experienced knitters. The pattern is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with finished chest measurements from 35 inches to 69¾ inches, designed to fit with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, modern silhouette.

Techniques Used

The Loch jumper employs several key knitting techniques that define its construction and aesthetic:

• Stranded Colorwork (Fair Isle): The pattern uses traditional stranded colorwork techniques to create the decorative motifs. Rather than covering the entire garment, the colorwork is thoughtfully positioned only on the upper sleeves and lower chest, making this technique accessible to intermediate-level knitters who may be less experienced with extensive Fair Isle work.
• Bottom-Up Construction: The sweater is knitted from the bottom upward, allowing knitters to try on the garment as they progress and easily adjust the length if needed.
• Worked in the Round: The body and sleeves are primarily constructed using circular needles to work in the round, which creates seamless fabric and reduces finishing work. This method is efficient and produces a polished, professional appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Details

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the Loch utilizes fundamental knitting stitches common to Fair Isle sweaters. The stranded colorwork sections employ knit stitches in two colors worked simultaneously, with yarn floats carried across the back of the work. The main body sections use stockinette stitch, the standard smooth fabric created by alternating knit and purl rows (or knitting every round when working circularly). The careful placement of colorwork motifs means that large areas of the sweater feature straightforward stockinette construction, making this intermediate-level project manageable for knitters building their skills.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Loch is designed to showcase Valley Yarns Northfield, a premium yarn blend composed of 70% Merino Wool, 20% Baby Alpaca, and 10% Silk. This luxurious combination creates a sophisticated drape and subtle sheen while maintaining excellent warmth and durability. Northfield is classified as a DK weight yarn, spinning at 124 yards per 50 grams, offering a balanced thickness suitable for detailed colorwork and refined stitch definition.

The pattern calls for two colors in Valley Yarns Northfield: the main color (MC) is Black (Color 15), requiring 10 to 17 balls depending on size, and the contrast color (CC) is Light Gray, requiring 2 to 3 balls. This neutral palette of black and light gray creates elegant, timeless colorwork that complements the sophisticated fiber blend.

Needles: The pattern specifies US size 6 (4.00mm) circular needles in two lengths: a 16-inch needle for working smaller circumferences (such as cuffs and necklines) and a 32 to 40-inch needle for the main body sections. Circular needles facilitate the seamless, in-the-round construction that defines this sweater's polished finish.

Design and Wearability

The Loch represents a thoughtful approach to Fair Isle design, placing stranded colorwork motifs strategically rather than across the entire garment. This design choice makes the pattern ideal for knitters seeking to develop or refine their colorwork skills without committing to an entire sweater of complex patterning. The neutral black and light gray colorway ensures versatility, making the finished sweater a valuable addition to a capsule wardrobe. The combination of Merino Wool, Baby Alpaca, and Silk creates a garment with excellent drape, subtle luxury, and lasting appeal, making it equally suitable as a personal project or a special handmade gift.