Gobi Top Knitting Pattern

Gobi Top in Rowan Creative Linen

What is Being Made

The Gobi Top is a knitted garment designed as a relaxed, textured pullover. This intermediate-level project creates a top with an open neckline and fitted armholes, suitable for chest sizes ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches). The finished garment features a contemporary silhouette with strategic shaping at the shoulders and sides.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive aesthetic. Yarn wrapping is central to the design, with the knitter wrapping yarn multiple times around the needle at specific intervals to create elongated stitches. The pattern alternates between standard knit rows and rows where yarn is wrapped 2, 3, or 4 times around the needle, creating a fluid, openwork effect. Garter stitch forms the foundation and finishing elements, providing structure at the cast-on edge, between textured sections, and at the final edges. Mattress stitch or back stitch is used during finishing to join shoulder seams invisibly, while side seams are constructed below marked armhole points to create clean, professional edges.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch (g st): Knit every row to create a reversible, textured fabric. This stitch is worked for the initial 6 rows, between patterned sections, and for the final 5 rows of the garment.
• Knit Stitch with Yarn Wrapping: The primary patterning technique where yarn is wrapped around the needle 2, 3, or 4 times for each stitch, then dropped on the following purl row to create elongated loops and an open, lacy texture.
• Purl Stitch: Used on alternate rows to drop the extra loops created by the yarn wrapping, establishing the pattern repeat and maintaining fabric structure.
• Mattress Stitch: An invisible seaming technique used to join shoulder seams with minimal bulk.

Pattern Structure

The Gobi Top follows a 24-row repeating pattern that creates its signature textured appearance. Rows 1–2 establish the base with knit stitches wrapped twice and purled back. Rows 3–6 return to standard garter stitch. Rows 7–8 introduce wrapping the yarn 3 times around the needle, creating larger loops that are dropped on the purl row. Rows 9–12 return to garter stitch, allowing the fabric to recover. Rows 13–14 feature 4-time yarn wrapping for the most dramatic texture, followed by garter stitch rows 15–18. Rows 19–20 repeat the 3-time wrapping, and rows 21–24 complete the repeat with garter stitch. This pattern continues until the back reaches the specified length (approximately 54.5–68.5 cm depending on size), ending after specific pattern rows to ensure proper alignment.

Materials

Yarn: Rowan Creative Linen, a 100-gram ball weight yarn. The pattern requires 3 to 6 balls depending on the chosen size, with the photographed sample worked in the Natural 621 colorway. This linen yarn provides structure and drape suitable for the openwork texture of the design.

Needles: One pair of 4½mm (US 7) needles are required throughout the pattern for casting on, working the body, and all shaping.

Tension and Sizing

Tension is critical for this project: 16½ stitches and 19 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the pattern using 4½mm needles. The pattern provides nine size options with actual chest measurements ranging from 110.5 cm (43½ inches) to 192.5 cm (75¾ inches), accommodating a wide range of body types. Neck opening width varies from 24 to 27 centimeters across sizes, while armhole depth markers are positioned 22–32 centimeters either side of the shoulder seams.

Construction Method

The Gobi Top is constructed in two identical pieces (back and front worked alike). Each piece begins with a cast-on of 91–159 stitches depending on size, followed by 6 rows of garter stitch to establish a stable edge. The 24-row pattern repeat is then worked continuously until the piece reaches the target length, with the pattern ending at specific rows to maintain alignment. The final 5 rows return to garter stitch before casting off k