Cara Top Knitting Pattern

Cara Top in Berroco Corsica

What is Being Made

The Cara Top is a women's knitted garment designed by Amy Christoffers, available in eight sizes ranging from 32" to 60" finished bust measurements. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted top with a shaped silhouette, featuring a lower edge that is 12" wider than the bust measurement, creating a flattering A-line or peplum-style drape. The finished length ranges from 23" to 25½" depending on size, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Cara Top employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques to achieve its construction and design details. The garment is worked in the round using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction and efficient stitch management. Decreasing techniques are essential to this design, with strategic decreases worked on right-side rows to shape the bodice and create the fitted bust area. The pattern utilizes a two-color stripe pattern that adds visual interest and demonstrates color work capability at the intermediate level. Ribbing is incorporated at the garment's edges to provide structure and elasticity. The designer has incorporated ease into the sizing—approximately 2 to 4 inches of positive ease—which is an important consideration when selecting the appropriate size for desired fit.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Cara Top is primarily constructed using stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric suitable for showcasing the yarn's characteristics. The garment features a custom stripe pattern that is worked throughout the piece after the initial ribbing. This stripe pattern consists of 24 rows total and creates alternating bands of color using the main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC). The stripe pattern is strategically designed with varying densities: the first 12 rows feature frequent color changes with knit and purl rows alternating between colors without turning the work, creating a distinctive textured effect. Following this section, the pattern transitions to 12 rows of solid stockinette stitch in the main color before repeating the 24-row sequence. Decreasing is accomplished using standard decreases—k2tog (knit two together) and SSK (slip, slip, knit)—which are worked symmetrically to maintain balanced shaping.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Cara Top is designed specifically for Berroco Corsica yarn, a premium fiber choice that contributes to the garment's quality and drape. Berroco Corsica is worked in two colorways for this project: #3602 Cork serves as the main color, with yardage requirements ranging from 4 to 9 balls (200 to 450 grams) depending on the selected size. #3637 Menthe is used as the contrasting color, requiring 1 to 2 balls (50 to 100 grams). Each ball of Berroco Corsica weighs 50 grams. The pattern calls for size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles—specifically a 29" needle for working the main body and a 16" needle for smaller circumference sections. Knitters should verify their gauge before beginning, as the pattern is designed to achieve a gauge of 23 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch and stripe pattern. Additional notions include one stitch holder for managing stitches during construction and two stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points.

Skill Level and Pattern Considerations

Rated as an intermediate project, the Cara Top is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction with shaping and color work. The pattern includes detailed finished measurements for all eight sizes, allowing knitters to select based on desired ease and fit preferences. The downloadable PDF format ensures access to the most current version of the pattern, with Berroco noting that corrections are made as needed and recommending that knitters download the latest version to avoid errors.