Kite Top Knitting Pattern

Kite Knitted Top by Kim Hargreaves

What is Being Made

The Kite is a knitted top designed by Kim Hargreaves and published by Rowan. This garment is a fitted pullover available in nine sizes, ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 in) bust to 152–157 cm (60–62 in) bust. The top features a structured silhouette with shaping at the waist and armholes, making it a versatile piece suitable for various body types and occasions.

Craft and Skill Level

This is an intermediate-level knitting project, appropriate for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with stitch patterns and garment shaping. The pattern requires understanding of decreasing and increasing stitches, working from written instructions, and managing multiple stitch markers throughout construction.

Techniques Used

• Stitch marker placement and management: Markers are used to define pattern sections and edge stitches, then removed strategically as shaping progresses
• Decreasing: Single decreases worked at each end of rows at regular intervals to shape the waist, with frequency varying by size
• Increasing: Single increases worked at each end of rows to shape the upper body and create the fitted silhouette
• Armhole shaping: Cast-off stitches at the beginning of rows to create structured armholes
• Stockinette stitch edging: Edge stitches worked in stockinette stitch on either side of the body pattern
• Pattern work: A multi-row body stitch pattern repeated throughout the garment for visual interest

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stockinette stitch (st st): Used for edge stitches and provides a smooth, classic finish
• Body stitch pattern: A repeating pattern worked over multiple rows that forms the primary fabric texture and visual design of the garment
• Knit (K) and purl (P) stitches: Foundation stitches used throughout the pattern
• Decreases and increases: Single stitch modifications used for shaping without adding bulk

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: Rowan Cotton Glace, a lightweight cotton yarn supplied in 50-gram balls. The pattern shown is photographed in Poppy 741, a vibrant red colorway. Cotton Glace is ideal for warm-weather garments and provides a smooth, refined drape suitable for fitted tops.

Needles: The pattern requires two needle sizes:

• 3mm (US 2/3) needles (no. 11) for the main garment body
• 2.25mm (US 1) needles (no. 13) for the neckband, or alternatively a 2.25mm (US B1) crochet hook for finishing the neckline

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 34 stitches and 40 rows over 10 centimeters when measured over the body pattern using 3mm (US 2/3) needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for the garment to fit properly across all nine sizes.

Construction Overview

The back piece is constructed by casting on a base number of stitches that varies by size, then working the body stitch pattern while simultaneously shaping the garment. The construction follows a logical sequence: initial waist decreases create a tapered silhouette, followed by waist increases to add width through the bust and upper body, and finally armhole shaping to create a fitted sleeve cap area. Stitch markers help organize the pattern sections and track shaping points throughout the knitting process.

Additional Notions

• Stitch markers for tracking pattern sections and shaping points
• Stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction