Angel Top Knitting Pattern

Angel Top in Rowan Summerlite DK

What is Being Made

The Angel Top is a knitted garment designed as an intermediate-level pullover top. This pattern is available in nine sizes, ranging from bust measurements of 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) through to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body sizes. The finished garment features an actual bust measurement range from 89.5 cm to 171 cm depending on the selected size.

Knitting Techniques Used

This project employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques to create its finished structure. The pattern requires casting on and casting off to establish and finish edges. Armhole shaping is achieved through strategic decreasing at the beginning of rows and alternating rows to create a fitted sleeve opening. Shoulder shaping is accomplished using cast-off stitches to form the top of the garment. The pattern also incorporates back neck shaping, where stitches are divided and worked separately on each side to create the neckline opening. The construction method involves working from the bottom up, with the body worked in rows before shaping begins.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Angel Top features a decorative lace pattern as its primary stitch pattern. The lace pattern is created using yarn forward (yfwd) stitches to create eyelet holes, combined with knit two together (K2tog) and slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) decreases to maintain stitch count while forming the lace design. The pattern repeats over 6 rows, with Row 5 containing the main lace motif and Row 6 worked in purl to create texture and definition. Standard stitches including knit (K) and purl (P) are used throughout. The pattern note indicates that stitch counts vary while working the pattern, requiring careful attention to stitch counting to maintain accuracy.

Materials and Specifications

The Angel Top is designed to be worked in Rowan Summerlite DK yarn, a lightweight double-knit weight yarn. The pattern specifies six balls of 50-gram skeins (photographed in White 465, though other colors in the Summerlite DK range are suitable). Knitting is worked on 3¾mm (US 5) needles (UK size 9). Additional notions required include stitch holders for managing stitches during neck shaping and stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and shaping points.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 2 pattern repeats (30 stitches) over 12 centimeters in width and 30 rows over 10 centimeters in height when measured over the lace pattern using 3¾mm needles. This relatively loose gauge is appropriate for the lightweight Summerlite DK yarn and creates the open, airy quality characteristic of lace knitting.