Lacy Box Top Knitting Pattern

Lacy Box Top by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Lacy Box Top is a women's knitted garment designed to fit bust sizes ranging from 81-86 cm through 122-127 cm, accommodating five different size options from small to extra-extra-large. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted top with distinctive lacy patterning and structured box shaping at the shoulders and neckline.

Craft and Technique Overview

This is a knitting project that combines stockinette stitch with intricate lace patterning. The garment demonstrates intermediate knitting skills, requiring the crafter to manage multiple stitch techniques simultaneously while maintaining pattern accuracy across different sections of the garment. The construction involves strategic increases for sleeve shaping and careful attention to stitch counts during lace pattern rows.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st) – Forms the main fabric base for the majority of the garment
• Lace Stitches – Created using yarn forward increases (yfwd) combined with decreases to form openwork patterns
• Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (sl 1, K1, psso) – A left-leaning decrease used throughout the lace pattern
• Knit Two Together (K2tog) – A right-leaning decrease integrated into the lace design
• Yarn Forward (yfwd) – Creates the eyelet holes characteristic of lace knitting
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch (purl) – Used selectively in patterned sections for textural contrast

Pattern Structure and Shaping

The top features a central lace pattern panel measuring 29 centimeters in width, flanked by stockinette stitch sections. The pattern note indicates that stitch counts vary during lace pattern rows (specifically rows 3 and 4), requiring crafters to track the original stitch count rather than counting after these specific rows. The garment is constructed with strategic increases for sleeve shaping: one stitch is increased at each end on the next row, followed by increases on every fourth row, then alternating rows, then consecutive rows, creating a gradual sleeve cap expansion. The top measures 19 to 23 centimeters (depending on size) from the last set of cast-on stitches before shoulder and neckline shaping begins. Shoulder shaping involves casting off stitches in graduated increments, while back neck shaping creates a structured neckline with additional decreases.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Lacy Box Top is designed to be knitted with Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a luxurious yarn choice. The pattern requires 3 to 5 balls of 25-gram weight, depending on the finished size selected. The photographed sample was created in the colorway Pearl 590. Two needle sizes are required: 3¾mm (US 5) needles for initial cast-on and ribbing, and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body. The tension specification calls for 22 stitches and 30 rows to measure 10 centimeters over stockinette stitch using the 4mm needles, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished garment.