Lousious Top Knitting Pattern

Lousious Top in Berroco Vibe

What is Being Made

The Lousious Top is a knitted pullover garment designed by Amy Christoffers, available in seven size options ranging from 37½" to 61" bust measurement. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished top with a length of approximately 21½" to 27" depending on size selection. The garment is shown in size 37½" with approximately 3" of ease for comfortable wear.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques suited to intermediate-level crafters. The top is constructed using circular knitting methods, worked primarily in the round for the body section. The construction involves casting on stitches using a smaller needle size, then transitioning to a larger needle for the main pattern work. The pattern incorporates both in-the-round knitting and flat knitting sections, utilizing stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points. Ribbing is created through alternating purl and knit rounds to form the garment's edges. Seaming is required to finish the top after all pieces are completed.

Stitches Used

The Lousious Top features a distinctive Pattern Stitch that creates textural interest throughout the garment. When working in the round, the pattern stitch consists of two knit rounds followed by a wrapped stitch round where yarn is wrapped twice around the needle on each stitch, then a round where knitters knit into only the first wrap while dropping the second wrap. This four-round repeat is worked continuously for the pattern. When sections are worked flat, the pattern stitch uses knit rows on the right side alternating with purl rows on the wrong side, with the same double-wrap technique applied on the third row. The ribbing sections utilize basic knit and purl stitches in alternating rounds to create elastic edges.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Lousious Top is designed to be knitted with Berroco Vibe yarn in colorway #1503 Mist. Berroco Vibe is a 50-gram ball weight yarn, and this pattern requires between 3 and 6 balls depending on the chosen size, with larger sizes requiring more yardage. The pattern calls for multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction: a 29" circular needle in size 10 (6.00 mm) for the initial cast-on and ribbing, a 29" circular needle in size 10½ (6.50 mm) for the main pattern work on the body, a 24" circular needle in size 10 (6.00 mm) for smaller circumference sections, and one set of double-pointed needles in size 10 (6.00 mm) for any remaining small circumference knitting. The pattern recommends checking gauge before beginning; the target gauge is 13 stitches and 18 rows measured over 4 inches in the Pattern Stitch using the larger needle. Additional notions include two stitch markers in different colors to distinguish different pattern sections, waste yarn for holding stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.