Ete Knit Top Knitting Pattern

Ete Knit Top by Mari Chiba

What Is Being Made

The Ete Knit Top is a lightweight summer sweater designed for warm-weather wear. This garment features a simple, elegant construction with a distinctive surprise element: decorative bow detailing on the back. The top is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 28 ¼ inches (72 cm) to 52 ¼ inches (132.5 cm) and lengths from 22 inches (56 cm) to 27 ¾ inches (70.5 cm). The Ete is part of the Summer Collection and offers a flattering, easy-to-wear silhouette suitable for various body types and occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Ete Knit Top employs several fundamental knitting techniques to create its structure and shaping. The garment is constructed in the round using circular needles, which creates seamless fabric and allows for continuous knitting without turning. The pattern incorporates strategic increases using both M1L (make 1 left-leaning) and M1R (make 1 right-leaning) techniques to shape the armholes and sleeve caps. Stitch markers are placed at key points to help track pattern repeats and construction sections. The back bow detail is constructed using simple methods that add visual interest without requiring advanced techniques, making this project accessible to intermediate knitters.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric texture. This stitch is worked in the round, producing a knit appearance on both sides.
• Garter Stitch: Used for finishing details, worked in ½-inch (1 cm) sections to create a textured edge.
• Purl Stitches: Incorporated in the neckline shaping and transition rounds to create subtle texture variations.
• Increases (M1L and M1R): Directional increases used for sleeve and armhole shaping to ensure even, invisible increases that maintain the integrity of the stockinette fabric.
• Bind Off: Used to secure stitches and finish all edges of the garment.

Materials and Tools

The Ete Knit Top is knitted using Juniper Moon Farm Zooey yarn in the colorway #3 White Pepper. The yardage requirement varies by size: XS, S, and M sizes require 3, 3, and 4 balls respectively, while L requires 4 balls, 1X requires 4 balls, 2X requires 5 balls, and 3X requires 6 balls. The pattern calls for US 4 (3.5 mm) double-point needles and a US 4 (3.5 mm) 24-inch (61 cm) circular needle, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, and scrap yarn or a stitch holder for temporarily holding stitches during construction.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch worked in the round. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements listed in the pattern. The body is constructed by casting on stitches and working in the round from the lower edge upward. The lower body begins with 1 inch (2.5 cm) of stockinette stitch before the neckline shaping begins. The garment continues in stockinette until reaching the specified length at the underarm, after which sleeves are picked up and knitted downward. The construction method allows for seamless integration of sleeves and body, creating a cohesive, professional-looking garment.