Altiplano Top Knitting Pattern

Altiplano Top in Berroco Mykonos

What is Being Made

The Altiplano Top is a knitted garment designed by Amy Christoffers featuring a classic pullover silhouette with cap sleeves. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a finished bust measurement ranging from 36 inches to 60 inches across seven size options, with corresponding length measurements between 23 and 25½ inches. The garment is designed with approximately 4 to 6 inches of ease, allowing for comfortable wearing room when selecting your appropriate size.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Altiplano Top employs several fundamental knitting construction techniques suitable for intermediate knitters. The garment begins with a cast-on foundation and uses strategic increases to create cap sleeves by casting on stitches at the beginning of rows. Shoulder shaping is achieved through bind-off decreases worked across multiple rows to create proper armhole depth and shoulder width. Neck shaping involves binding off center stitches and working the remaining stitches separately to create a finished neckline. The pattern requires careful attention to gauge and includes the use of stitch holders to manage live stitches during construction.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Altiplano Top utilizes two primary stitch patterns throughout the garment:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) — The standard knit-purl combination that creates a smooth, V-textured fabric on the right side
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch (Reverse St st) — The inverse of stockinette, creating a bumpy, textured appearance that becomes the dominant visual element of this design

The pattern begins with 4 rows of garter stitch (knit every row) at the lower edge to create a finished, non-curling border. The body is then worked in Reverse Stockinette Stitch, which provides visual interest and texture. Cap sleeves and other sections are worked in Stockinette Stitch and Reverse Stockinette Stitch according to the pattern instructions.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: Berroco Mykonos in colorway #8515 Oceanus is the specified yarn for this project. Yardage requirements range from 6 hanks for the smallest size to 10 hanks for the largest size, with each hank weighing 50 grams. Berroco Mykonos is the exact yarn called for in the pattern, and the designer recommends using the specified yarn to ensure proper gauge and finished garment appearance.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires straight needles in two sizes — US size 3 (3.25 mm) for ribbing or edge work and US size 4 (3.50 mm) for the main body, or whatever size is necessary to obtain the correct gauge. Additional notions include 2 stitch holders for managing live stitches during construction, 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming if necessary.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches when working in Stockinette Stitch and Reverse Stockinette Stitch with the larger needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements listed in the pattern, and knitters are advised to take time to check gauge before beginning the project to avoid sizing discrepancies in the final garment.