Breakers Top Knitting Pattern

Breakers Top in Berroco Modern Cotton DK

What Is Being Made

The Breakers Top is a knitted tank top designed by Åsa Buchta, available in 10 different sizes ranging from 34" to 70" bust circumference. This garment is worked primarily in the round, transitioning to flat knitting at the underarms to shape the upper back and front sections. The finished length varies by size, ranging from approximately 18" to 20½" (not including shoulder straps), making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and preferences.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques. The construction begins with circular knitting in the round, which creates seamless fabric and allows for efficient stitch work. After working the lower body in the round, the pattern divides the stitches to transition to flat knitting for the upper back and front sections. This hybrid approach combines the benefits of both circular and flat knitting methods. The pattern includes working with stitch markers to track pattern repeats and uses waste yarn to hold stitches during construction. Blocking is recommended after completion to ensure accurate finished measurements and proper gauge.

Stitches Used

The Breakers Top features a straightforward Pattern Stitch that alternates between knit and purl stitches. When working in the round, the pattern repeats over a multiple of 2 stitches, with alternating rounds of knit and ribbed knit-purl combinations. When worked flat, the pattern stitch uses a multiple of 2 stitches plus 1 additional stitch to maintain pattern symmetry on right-side rows. This simple stitch pattern creates visual texture while remaining accessible for intermediate knitters.

Materials and Tools

This pattern calls for Berroco Modern Cotton DK yarn in colorway #6621 Warbler. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 2 to 5 hanks of the 100-gram balls depending on which of the 10 sizes you select. The project requires two sizes of 32" circular needles—size 2 (2.75 mm) and size 4 (3.5 mm)—as well as a 16" circular needle in size 2 (2.75 mm) for working smaller circumferences. Additional notions include a stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats, waste yarn for holding stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for finishing. The recommended gauge is 24 stitches and 36 rounds or rows over 4 inches in the Pattern Stitch on the larger needles, measured after blocking.

Sizing and Fit

The Breakers Top is offered in a comprehensive range of 10 sizes, with finished bust measurements from 34" to 70" and corresponding length options. The pattern recommends 1 to 4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The sample garment shown is size 2 (38" bust) and was modeled with 4 inches of positive ease, demonstrating how the design accommodates various fit preferences.