Destin Top Knitting Pattern

Destin Top in Berroco Vera

What is Being Made

The Destin Top is a knitted pullover garment designed by Alison Green, available in ten sizes ranging from 33 inches to 68¾ inches bust measurement. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a fitted tee with a raised back neck detail, offering finished bust measurements from 33 inches (84 cm) to 68¾ inches (174.5 cm) and a center back length ranging from 22½ inches to 24½ inches (57 to 62 cm). The pattern is shown modeled in size 3 with approximately 7 inches of positive ease, though the designer recommends 4 to 6 inches of positive ease for optimal fit.

Construction Technique

The Destin Top is constructed using a top-down method, worked seamlessly in the round from the neckline downward. This construction approach allows for easy fitting adjustments during the knitting process. A key design feature involves short rows worked at the back neck to create a raised neckline in that area, providing a custom fit at the back shoulders. Once the yoke shaping is completed, stitches for the sleeve bands are placed on waste yarn and held while the body of the garment is worked separately, allowing for efficient construction and customization of body length.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The primary stitch used throughout the Destin Top is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for a versatile everyday top. The pattern employs circular knitting techniques, worked entirely in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles for smaller circumferences. Short-row shaping is utilized specifically at the back neck to create the raised neckline detail. Stitch markers are used to track pattern repeats and construction points throughout the project.

Materials Required

Yarn: The Destin Top is designed to be knitted using Berroco Vera, a yarn that comes in 100-gram balls. The pattern calls for 3 to 6 balls depending on size selection, with the color shown being #11506 Patina. Berroco Vera is the recommended yarn for this pattern to ensure proper gauge and finished garment characteristics.

Needles and Notions: Construction requires two circular needles in different sizes: 32-inch circular needles in both size 5 (3.75 mm) and size 7 (4.5 mm), plus 16-inch circular needles in the same sizes for working smaller circumferences. A set of size 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles or preferred needles for working small circumferences in the round are also needed. Additional notions include one stitch marker and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern is designed to achieve a gauge of 21½ stitches and 33 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch when worked with the larger needles (size 7 / 4.5 mm). This gauge is measured after blocking, making it essential to knit a gauge swatch and block it before beginning the project to ensure accurate finished measurements. Proper gauge checking is emphasized as critical for obtaining the intended garment dimensions and fit.