Lars Top Knitting Pattern

Lars Top in MODE at Rowan Alpaca Haze

What is Being Made

The Lars Top is a sleeveless or sleeved knitted garment designed by Quail Studio. This intermediate-level knitting project offers versatility with two construction options: a sleeveless version and a full-sleeve jumper version. The pattern accommodates nine size ranges, from 71-76cm (28-30 inches) chest to 152-157cm (60-62 inches) chest, making it suitable for a wide range of body measurements. The finished garment features actual chest measurements ranging from 89cm to 169cm depending on the selected size.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques that create visual interest and structure in the finished garment. The construction begins with a ribbed cuff worked in a slip stitch rib pattern, which provides elasticity and a refined edge. The pattern incorporates strategic decreasing at the armholes using standard decrease methods including ssk (slip, slip, knit) and K2tog (knit two together) to shape the garment. The slip stitch technique is used decoratively after the initial ribbed section, creating texture while maintaining the garment's drape. The pattern includes shaping variations across different sizes, with some sizes requiring decreases on consecutive rows while others space decreases across alternating rows, demonstrating intermediate-level pattern reading and execution skills.

Stitches Used

The Lars Top utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in strategic patterns. The primary stitches include:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches form the foundation of the ribbed sections
• Slip stitch (sl) worked purlwise creates texture in the slip stitch rib pattern
• Ssk (slip, slip, knit) and K2tog (knit two together) for decreasing at armholes
• P2tog (purl two together) and P2tog tbl (purl two together through back loop) for decreasing on wrong-side rows

The pattern alternates between a basic rib pattern (P2, K1 repeat on right-side rows; K2, P1 repeat on wrong-side rows) and a slip stitch rib variation that adds subtle visual texture to the finished piece.

Materials

The Lars Top is designed to be knitted with Rowan Alpaca Haze yarn, a luxury fiber blend. The sleeveless version requires 6 to 13 balls of 25-gram weight depending on size selection, while the sleeved version requires 9 to 18 balls. The pattern was photographed in two colorways: Jasmine 014 for the sleeveless version and Capri 019 for the sleeved version. Knitting is worked on 3.5mm (US size 4) needles, with yarn held double throughout to achieve the specified tension. The pattern requires a tension of 24 stitches and 36 rows over 10 centimeters when measured over pattern using the specified needles and doubled yarn. Additional notions needed include a stitch marker and stitch holders for managing stitches during construction.