Linen Top Knitting Pattern

Linen Top in Rowan Summerlite DK

What is Being Made

This is a knitted linen top designed by Chloe Thurlow, available in multiple sizes ranging from 71-76 cm to 152-157 cm bust measurement. The garment features a striped or plain construction with shoulder straps, making it a versatile summer piece suitable for intermediate knitters.

Garment Construction and Design Details

The top is constructed using a classic knit structure with distinct front and back panels. The back panel is worked first, with shaping achieved through strategic increases and decreases over multiple rows. The design incorporates two shoulder straps that measure between 21 and 31 cm in length depending on size, providing support for the garment. The front panel mirrors the back construction but includes additional shaping worked over fewer rows than the back, creating a fitted silhouette.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Striped Pattern: The striped version alternates between two yarn colors throughout the piece, creating visual interest and dimension
• Stocking Stitch: The primary stitch used for the body and shoulder straps, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Increases and Decreases: Shaping is accomplished through increases worked at regular intervals (every 4th or 6th row depending on size) to achieve the desired bust measurement
• Cast-Off Shaping: Strategic casting off of stitches creates the armhole and neckline openings
• Purl Rows: Reverse stockinette rows are incorporated when beginning the shoulder strap sections

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch throughout this garment is stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), which creates the smooth, flat fabric characteristic of classic knitted tops. The striped version features a repeating color pattern that runs continuously through the piece. All shaping is achieved through increases and decreases integrated into the stocking stitch fabric, with cast-off rows used to define armholes and necklines.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This pattern calls for Rowan Summerlite DK, a lightweight yarn perfect for summer garments. The yarn is available in two colorways: White (465) and Summer (453). Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 2 balls (50gm each) for smaller sizes up to 6 balls for the largest size in the plain version, with slightly different quantities needed for the striped version.

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes: 3¼ mm (US 3) needles and 3¾ mm (US 5) needles. Additionally, a 3¾ mm (US 5) circular needle at least 40 cm long is needed, likely for neckline finishing or ribbing. Stitch holders are essential for managing stitches during the construction process.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working with shaping techniques, managing multiple stitches, and following detailed row-by-row instructions across multiple sizes.