Lagos Top Knitting Pattern

Lagos Top in Berroco Vera

What is Being Made

The Lagos Top is a sleeveless tank garment designed by Alison Green, offered in 11 different sizes ranging from extra-small to extra-large. The finished bust measurements span from 32 inches to 71¾ inches, with corresponding length measurements from 19 inches to 24 inches. This intermediate-level knitting project is worked in the round from the bottom up, making it an accessible yet rewarding design for knitters with some experience.

Construction Techniques

The Lagos Top employs a bottom-up construction method, beginning at the lower edge and progressing upward to the underarm. At the underarm, the piece is divided to allow separate shaping for the back and front sections. The tank is primarily worked in the round using circular needles, which creates seamless fabric and reduces finishing work. A 3-needle bind off is used to join the shoulders, a professional technique that creates a strong, neat seam.

Stitches and Pattern Elements

The primary stitch used throughout the Lagos Top is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a defined V-texture. This fundamental knit stitch is worked consistently across the garment to achieve the finished gauge and drape. The pattern allows for flexibility in execution, as the stitch work may be followed either from written directions or by consulting a charted pattern format.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Berroco Vera is the specified yarn for this project. Berroco Vera is a worsted-weight yarn, with each 100-gram ball providing substantial yardage. The quantity required ranges from 2 balls for the smallest size to 5 balls for the largest sizes, with the sample shown in size 2 using 3 balls in colorway #11505 Carving Party.

Needles: The pattern requires two sizes of circular needles to accommodate the gauge requirements. A 32-inch circular needle in size 5 (3.75 mm) is used for ribbed edging and initial setup, while a 32-inch circular needle in size 7 (4.5 mm) is used for the main stockinette stitch fabric. A 16-inch circular needle in size 5 (3.75 mm) is needed for working the neckline. For sizes 1, 2, and 3 only, a set of double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles in size 5 (3.75 mm) are recommended for working areas with smaller circumferences.

Additional Notions: The project requires 3 stitch markers, with one designated as a different color to mark the beginning of round (BOR), and waste yarn to temporarily hold stitches during construction.

Gauge and Fit

The target gauge for the Lagos Top is 21½ stitches and 33 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) when measured in stockinette stitch using the larger size 7 (4.5 mm) needle. Gauge is measured after blocking, making it essential to knit a gauge swatch and block it before beginning the project to ensure accurate finished measurements. The pattern recommends approximately 0–2 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, contemporary fit, with the shown sample featuring approximately 2 inches of positive ease.