Astrid Top Knitting Pattern

Astrid Top in MODE at Rowan Cotton DK

What is Being Made

The Astrid Top is a knitted garment designed by Quail Studio, available in both striped and solid colorway versions. This top is sized to fit chest measurements ranging from 71-76cm (28-30 inches) up to 152-157cm (60-62 inches), with actual finished chest measurements from 91cm (35¾ inches) to 171cm (67¼ inches). The pattern offers a wide range of sizes, making it suitable for various body types and preferences.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Astrid Top employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques appropriate for advanced beginners. The construction begins with garter stitch edging at the lower edge, which provides a neat, textured border. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch, creating a smooth, classic fabric. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreasing at the sides using ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) techniques to create a fitted silhouette. The garment features set-in sleeves with shoulder shaping and neck shaping that requires working each side of the neckline separately. For striped versions, the pattern incorporates color changes and stripe sequencing, alternating between two yarn colors in 2cm sections to create visual interest.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch (g st): Used for the initial 4 rows at the lower edge to create a textured, non-rolling border
• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the main body and sleeves, creating a smooth fabric with a knit face and purl back
• Ssk (slip, slip, knit): A left-leaning decrease used for side shaping
• K2tog (knit two together): A right-leaning decrease used for side shaping and neck shaping
• Cast off (bind off): Used to secure stitches at the shoulder and neck edges

Materials and Specifications

The Astrid Top is designed to be knitted using Cotton DK weight yarn from the MODE at Rowan collection. For the striped version, the pattern requires two colors: Pearl 010 and Latte 012, with yardage varying by size from 3-7 balls of Pearl and 3-6 balls of Latte (each ball is 50g). The solid version, photographed in Sapphire 015, requires 6-13 balls depending on size. The pattern specifies two pairs of needles: 3.5mm (US 4) needles for the ribbed or garter stitch edging and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main fabric. The recommended tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10cm measured over stockinette stitch using the 4mm needles. Additional notions required include stitch holders for managing stitches during neck and shoulder shaping.