Antigua Top Knitting Pattern

Antigua Top in Berroco

What is Being Made

The Antigua Top is a women's knitted pullover garment designed by the Berroco Design Team. This intermediate-level project produces a fitted top with positive ease, available in nine sizes ranging from 32" to 64" bust measurement. The finished length varies from 27" to 30" depending on size, with hip measurements ranging from 36" to 68". The garment shown in the pattern is knitted in size 44".

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure. The design features charted colorwork or stitch patterns that are worked across the body of the garment in designated sections. The pattern uses reverse stockinette stitch sections positioned strategically between charted pattern repeats, with decreases worked within these reverse stockinette areas rather than at the side edges—a technique that creates a more refined shaping approach. The construction utilizes stitch markers to help knitters track pattern repeats and section boundaries throughout the project. The top is worked in the round using a circular needle for the body, which is a common modern knitting technique that eliminates the need for seaming.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch used throughout the Antigua Top is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern incorporates reverse stockinette stitch in specific sections, where the purl side of the fabric faces outward, creating textural contrast against the stockinette sections. The garment features a charted stitch or colorwork pattern worked over 20-stitch repeats that are established on the first row and worked continuously throughout the body. Decreases are integrated into the reverse stockinette sections to shape the garment, and stitch markers are essential for tracking the multiple pattern sections and repeats as you work.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Antigua Top is designed to be knitted with Berroco Liana yarn, a fingering or sport-weight yarn sold in 50-gram hanks. The pattern calls for 5 to 11 hanks depending on size, with the sample shown using color #8279 Passion Flower. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles, which helps determine the appropriate needle size for your yarn.

Two sizes of knitting needles are required: size 6 (4.00 mm) needles for the main body of the garment, and size 4 (3.50 mm) circular needles (16" length) for ribbed edgings or cuff sections. Additional notions include six stitch markers to track pattern sections and a stitch holder for holding stitches during construction. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished garment matches the intended measurements.