Classic Elite Yarns Low Neck Dress Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Low Neck Dress

What is Being Made

The Classic Elite Yarns Low Neck Dress is a versatile knitted garment designed by Stephanie Steinhaus that can be worn in both formal and casual settings. This intermediate-level dress features a distinctive deep v-neckline and dolman sleeves, creating a flattering silhouette suitable for a range of occasions. The dress is available in four sizes: Small (bust 35"), Medium (bust 37"), Large (bust 41"), and Extra Large (bust 43").

Construction Techniques

This dress employs a hybrid construction method combining both flat and circular knitting techniques. The bodice pieces are worked flat and seamed, providing structure and shaping in the upper garment. Once the bodice is complete, the waistband is picked up and knit in the round, transitioning to the skirt portion. This combination approach allows for precise shaping in the fitted bodice while enabling the efficiency and seamless construction of the circular knitting method for the skirt.

The bottom-up construction method means the dress is knitted starting from the lower edge and progressing upward, allowing the knitter to try on the garment and adjust length as needed before binding off.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The dress utilizes several key stitching techniques:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) forms the foundation of the bodice, creating a smooth, classic fabric base
• Make One Right (m1R) and Make One Left (m1L) increases are worked strategically throughout the bodice to create shaping and a flattering fit
• Drop Stitch #2 (DS2) is used in the skirt, created by knitting one stitch followed by yarn overs, then dropping those yarn overs on the return row to create an open, lacy texture
• Drop Stitch #3 (DS3) provides an alternative dropped stitch pattern with increased yarn overs for a more pronounced openwork effect

The bodice increases are worked on right-side rows at regular intervals—every other row for most sizes—creating graduated shaping that transitions smoothly from the neckline to the waist.

Materials and Tools

The dress is designed to be knitted with Sanibel by Classic Elite Yarns, a yarn blend composed of 58% viscose and 42% cotton. This fiber content creates a lightweight, breathable fabric ideal for a dress that can transition between seasons. The pattern requires 8 balls for size Small, 9 balls for Medium, 11 balls for Large, and 13 balls for Extra Large, with each ball containing approximately 125 yards.

Multiple needle sizes are required for this project:

• US 5 and US 6 circular knitting needles (32") for the main skirt sections, allowing the knitter to switch between needle sizes to achieve the dropped stitch patterns
• US 4 circular knitting needle (24") for the neckband, providing a smaller circumference for the fitted neck opening
• US 11 knitting needles (8 mm) for binding off the bottom edge of the skirt, creating a secure and finished edge

Additional materials include stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction points throughout the knitting process.

Design Details

Originally published in Spring 2013 in Handmade Los Angeles II, this pattern represents a collaboration between designer Stephanie Steinhaus and Classic Elite Yarns. The dress exemplifies a timeless design that balances elegance with wearability, making it suitable for everyday wear or special occasions. The combination of structured bodice shaping with the flowing, textured skirt created by the drop stitch patterns produces a garment with both visual interest and comfortable movement.