Malta Top Knitting Pattern

Malta Top in Berroco

What Is Being Made

The Malta Top is an intermediate-level knitted garment designed by Åsa Buchta for Berroco. This top features distinctive dolman sleeves and is constructed to be worn with approximately 2–4 inches of positive ease. The garment is available in twelve sizes, ranging from 32¼ inches to 75¾ inches in waist circumference, with corresponding lengths from 17½ inches to 24½ inches. The design includes button closures, with five 5/8-inch buttons featured in the finished piece.

Techniques Used

The Malta Top employs several key knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The garment is worked using circular needles in the round, allowing for seamless construction. Stitch markers are used strategically to denote important shaping points, particularly at the armhole placement. The pattern incorporates increases during the initial construction phase, followed by even rows worked without shaping. Blocking is an essential finishing step, as the gauge measurement is taken after the piece has been blocked to ensure accurate dimensions.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates the smooth, classic fabric base for this top. This fundamental knit stitch pattern provides a clean, refined appearance and is worked consistently throughout the body and sleeves of the garment.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: The Malta Top is designed to be knitted with Berroco Splash yarn in the colorway Big Sur (#2410). This yarn comes in 50-gram hanks, with yardage requirements ranging from 7 hanks for the smallest size to 18 hanks for the largest size, depending on the selected dimensions.

Needles: The pattern requires two sizes of circular needles, both 32 inches in length: size 4 (3.5 mm) needles and size 6 (4 mm) needles. Additionally, a set of double-pointed needles or preferred needles for working small circumferences in size 4 (3.5 mm) is needed for sections requiring smaller needle work.

Notions and Findings: The project calls for four removable stitch markers to track shaping and construction points throughout the knitting process. Five buttons measuring 5/8 inch (15 mm) are required to complete the finished garment.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, measured on the larger (size 6 / 4 mm) needles. This gauge is measured after blocking, making proper blocking essential for achieving the intended finished measurements. Knitters are advised to check gauge before beginning to ensure accurate fit and dimensions in the completed top.