Clady Top Knitting Pattern

Clady Top in MODE at Rowan Cotton DK

What Is Being Made

The Clady Top is a fitted knitted garment designed by Quail Studio, available in nine sizes ranging from 28-30 inches to 60-62 inches chest measurement. This advanced beginner knitting project creates a classic pullover top with a crew neckline and tailored shaping at the armholes and front neck. The garment is photographed in Fossil 016, a neutral colorway of MODE at Rowan Cotton DK yarn.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for knitters with some experience. The construction begins with a ribbed cuff worked flat, followed by stockinette stitch as the primary fabric. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreasing at the armholes and neckline, requiring attention to row counting and stitch placement. The front features a divided neckline that is worked in two separate sections, allowing for gradual neck shaping on each shoulder. A circular needle is used for the final neckband, demonstrating the transition from flat to in-the-round knitting.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing (K1, P1): Creates the textured edge at the lower body, worked over 10 rows to establish elasticity and structure
• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary fabric throughout the body, back, and front panels, creating a smooth, classic knit appearance
• Decreasing: Single stitch decreases worked at armhole edges and neck edges to shape the garment and create fitted armholes
• Casting off: Used to bind off stitches at the beginning of armhole shaping rows and to finish the garment edges

Materials and Tools

The Clady Top requires MODE at Rowan Cotton DK yarn in 50-gram balls. Yardage varies by size, ranging from 7 balls for the smallest size (28-30 inches) to 13 balls for the largest sizes. 4mm (US 6) needles are used throughout, including a pair of straight needles for the main body and a 4mm circular needle no longer than 40 cm for working the neckband. Additional supplies include stitch holders for managing stitches during the front neck division. The recommended tension is 22 stitches and 32 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch, ensuring proper fit across all nine size options.