Cleora Top Knitting Pattern

Cleora Top in Rowan Summerlite DK

What is Being Made

The Cleora Top is a knitted garment designed as an advanced beginner project. This is a fitted top with shaping at the armholes and shoulders, available in nine size options to fit chest measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) up to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches). The garment is photographed in White 465, showcasing the versatility of the Rowan Summerlite DK yarn base.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques appropriate for the advanced beginner skill level. The construction includes waist shaping achieved through strategic decreases, armhole shaping created by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows followed by gradual decreases, and shoulder shaping with additional decreases worked in pattern. The pattern uses both stockinette stitch as the primary fabric and incorporates decreases such as SSK (slip, slip, knit) and K2tog (knit two together) for tailored shaping. The neckband is worked on circular needles in the round, requiring knitters to be comfortable with both flat and circular needle techniques.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (st st) – the main fabric throughout the garment, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side
• Knit two together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used for waist shaping and armhole decreases
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) – a left-leaning decrease worked at armhole edges for balanced shaping
• Purl two together (P2tog) – used during shoulder and back neck shaping
• Garter stitch elements – implied through ribbed sections at waist and neckband

Materials and Tools

This pattern calls for Rowan Summerlite DK yarn in 50g balls. The yardage requirement varies by size, with quantities ranging from 6 to 13 balls depending on the chosen size. The garment is worked on 3mm (US 2/3) needles for the ribbed sections and 3.5mm (US 4) needles for the main body in stockinette stitch. A pair of 3mm (US 2/3) circular needles measuring 40cm is required for working the neckband. Additional notions include stitch holders for holding stitches during shoulder and neck shaping, and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 32 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using 3.5mm (US 4) needles. Achieving this gauge is essential for proper fit, as the garment features precise shaping at the waist, armholes, and shoulders. The actual chest measurement of the finished garment ranges from 85.5 cm (33¾ inches) in the smallest size to 165.5 cm (65¼ inches) in the largest size, providing options for various body types and fit preferences.