Maggie Top Knitting Pattern

Maggie Top by Kim Hargreaves

What is Being Made

The Maggie Top is a women's knitted garment designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 71–157 cm (28–62 inches). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a fitted top with a distinctive front opening feature and shaped armholes, suitable for a range of sizes from extra-small through extra-large.

Garment Construction and Design Details

The Maggie Top is constructed using a classic knitting approach with separate pattern pieces. The garment features a back panel, front panel with a divided opening, and shaped armholes. The front opening is created by dividing stitches mid-row and working each side separately, with a pick-up loop technique that creates a neat edge. The neck shaping involves casting off stitches to create a finished neckline, and the pattern includes optional narrow ribbon for a neck tie detail.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch throughout the garment for a smooth, classic fabric
• Casting on and casting off – foundation and finishing techniques for all edges
• Decreasing – used at armhole edges to shape the garment and create fitted sleeves openings
• Pick-up loop technique – a specialized method used to create a neat front opening edge without visible gaps
• Purl stitches – used strategically at the front opening edge to set pattern definition
• Working in the round conceptually – the pattern uses holding stitches on holders and rejoining yarn to work separate sections
• Shaping through strategic increases and decreases – applied at armhole and neck edges for a tailored fit

Yarn and Materials

The Maggie Top is designed to be knitted using Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a luxury yarn available in 25-gram balls. The pattern is photographed in the colorway Blushes 583. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 4 balls for the smallest size to 10 balls for the largest size. The yarn is worked doubled (two strands held together) to achieve the correct fabric density and drape.

Needles and Tools

Two pairs of needles are required for this project. The 3mm (US 2/3) needles are used for casting on and establishing the initial stitches with the doubled yarn. The 3¾mm (US 5) needles are the primary working needles for the main fabric construction, also used with yarn doubled. An optional 60 cm (23½ inch) length of narrow ribbon is included as a finishing detail for the neck tie.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving correct tension is essential for this intermediate project. The pattern specifies 23 stitches and 32 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stockinette stitch using the 3¾mm (US 5) needles with yarn worked double. Proper gauge ensures the garment fits correctly across all nine size options and maintains the intended fabric characteristics of the Rowan Kidsilk Haze yarn.

Skill Level and Complexity

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Maggie Top requires knitters to be comfortable with fundamental techniques including casting on and off, working stockinette stitch consistently, and managing shaping decreases. The front opening construction and the technique of working separate sections while maintaining stitch counts add moderate complexity. Knitters should be confident reading pattern abbreviations and following row-by-row instructions with multiple size variations.