Hemlock Top Knitting Pattern

Hemlock Top in Berroco Summer Sesame

What is Being Made

The Hemlock Top is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Mel Kennelly, offered in 10 different sizes ranging from extra small to extra large. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a fitted top with a raised back neck detail, available in bust measurements from 36¾ inches up to 71¼ inches. The finished length ranges from 21 inches to 23½ inches depending on size selected. The garment is shown in size 3 with approximately 7 inches of positive ease, though the pattern recommends 2 to 8 inches of positive ease for a customizable fit.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Hemlock Top employs a top-down construction method, meaning the sweater is worked beginning at the neck and progressing downward in the round. A key design feature involves short rows worked at the back neck to create a raised neckline, adding shaping and visual interest to the garment. The yoke is completed first, after which sleeve stitches are placed on hold while the body of the sweater is worked. The sleeves are then completed separately, worked down in the round to the cuffs. This construction approach allows for easy customization of length and provides excellent fit control throughout the knitting process.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in the Hemlock Top is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern indicates that a stitch pattern may be incorporated into the design, with the option to work the pattern from different sources or methods, though specific stitch pattern details are not fully outlined in the available pattern excerpt. The gauge for this project is 20 stitches and 28 rounds measured over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needles, and this gauge is measured after blocking to ensure accurate finished measurements.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Hemlock Top is designed to be worked in Berroco Summer Sesame, a yarn that comes in 100-gram balls. Depending on size, the project requires between 3 and 5 balls of yarn in the colorway 5262 Solar. Berroco Summer Sesame is recommended as the specified yarn for this pattern to ensure proper gauge and finished garment characteristics.

Needles and Notions: The pattern calls for multiple needle sizes to accommodate different sections of the garment. A 32-inch circular needle in size 5 (3.75 mm) and size 7 (4.5 mm) is used for the main body and yoke work. A 16-inch circular needle in both sizes 5 and 7 is required for working the smaller circumferences as the garment progresses. Additionally, one set of double-pointed needles in sizes 5 and 7 (or preferred needles for working small circumferences) is needed for the final sleeve sections. Other notions include 1 stitch marker, a tapestry needle for finishing, and waste yarn to temporarily hold stitches during construction.

Pattern Summary

• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Construction Method: Top-down, worked in the round
• Key Features: Raised back neck created with short rows, yoke shaping, set-in sleeves worked separately
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (after blocking)
• Yarn Weight and Quantity: Berroco Summer Sesame, 3 to 5 balls depending on size
• Primary Stitch: Stockinette stitch with optional stitch pattern integration