Imperialis Top Knitting Pattern

Imperialis Top in Berroco Iris

What is Being Made

The Imperialis Top is a women's knitted garment designed by Mel Kennelly. This intermediate-level knit features a fitted silhouette with positive ease, available in 11 different sizes ranging from 34 inches to 73½ inches bust measurement. The finished length ranges from approximately 19½ inches to 22½ inches, making it a versatile layering piece or standalone top.

Construction Method

The Imperialis Top is constructed using a seamless, in-the-round knitting technique. The body is worked circularly from the bottom up to the underarms, where it is then divided for separate back and front pieces. Sleeves are added after the body sections are established, with the shoulder seams completed after the main knitting is finished. This construction method minimizes seaming while maintaining clean, professional finishing.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The garment features a repeating pattern stitch worked in the round across a multiple of 6 stitches. The pattern stitch consists of alternating knit and purl columns, creating a textured ribbed effect. Specifically, the pattern alternates 3 knit stitches with 3 purl stitches across each round. The design also incorporates a special abbreviation, sk2p (slip 1 stitch knitwise, knit 2 stitches together, pass slipped stitch over), which is a centered decrease technique commonly used in decorative stitch patterns.

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: Berroco Iris in colorway #11611 Buttercup. Yardage requirements range from 3 to 6 hanks depending on size, with each hank weighing 100 grams.
• Needles: Size 6 (4 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch (40 cm) and 32-inch (80 cm) lengths, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge.
• Additional Notions: 1 stitch marker, a tapestry needle for finishing, and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern requires a gauge of 17 stitches and 30 rows per rounds equaling 4 inches (10 cm) when measured in the Pattern Stitch after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit, and the pattern recommends checking gauge before beginning to ensure the finished measurements match the intended size.

Sizing and Fit

The Imperialis Top is offered in 11 sizes with finished bust measurements from 34 inches to 73½ inches. The pattern recommends approximately 5 to 10 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, contemporary fit. The sample shown is size 4 (45¼ inches) modeled with approximately 7 inches of positive ease.