Catrine Top Knitting Pattern

Catrine Top in MODE at Rowan Cotton DK

What is Being Made

The Catrine Top is a knitted garment designed by Quail Studio, available in nine sizes ranging from 28-30 inches to 60-62 inches bust measurement. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a fitted top with an actual bust measurement ranging from 35¾ inches to 67¼ inches depending on the size selected. The garment features a sophisticated construction combining textured patterning with cable details.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and structure to the finished garment. The construction includes cable knitting, which creates raised twisted stitches across the fabric. The pattern also incorporates yarn forward increases (yfrn) that generate decorative eyelet details and shaping throughout the design. Additionally, the pattern uses lifted stitches, a technique where previously knitted stitches are lifted over subsequent stitches to create texture and pattern definition. Make one increases (M1RK, M1RP, M1LP) are employed for shaping the garment at strategic points, allowing for precise fit adjustments across the different size options.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) - the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl stitch (P) - used in combination with knit stitches to create textured patterns and reversible sections
• Cable stitch (C2B) - slip one stitch onto a cable needle and hold behind work, knit the next stitch from the left-hand needle, then knit the stitch from the cable needle, creating twisted rope-like texture
• Yarn forward (yfrn) - creates decorative eyelet holes and contributes to the lacy patterning
• Make one right knit (M1RK) - an increase worked by inserting the left needle under the strand between stitches from back to front, then knitting this strand
• Make one right purl (M1RP) - an increase worked by inserting the left needle under the strand between stitches from back to front, then purling this strand
• Make one left purl (M1LP) - an increase worked by inserting the left needle under the strand between stitches from front to back, then purling this strand through the back loop

Pattern Features

The lower body of the Catrine Top features a repeating pattern established over eight rows that combines cable stitches with purl and knit elements to create a sophisticated textured design. The pattern includes a neckband section worked on a circular needle. The garment is worked in pieces and requires blocking to achieve the specified tension and finished measurements.

Materials and Tools

The Catrine Top is knitted using Rowan Cotton DK yarn in the colorway Crepe 018 as shown in the pattern photography. Yarn quantities range from 7 balls (50gm each) for the smallest size to 11 balls for the largest sizes. The pattern requires 3.75mm (US 5) straight needles for the main garment construction and a 3.75mm (US 5) circular needle measuring 40 cm for working the neckband. Additional tools needed include a cable needle for executing the cable stitches, stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points. The specified tension is 23 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the lower body pattern using 3.75mm needles once the finished fabric has been blocked.