Meryton Top Knitting Pattern

Meryton Top in Berroco Skye

What is Being Made

The Meryton Top is a women's knitted pullover garment designed by Amy Christoffers. This intermediate-level knitting project is worked in one piece from the neck down, featuring a shaped yoke constructed using short-row techniques. The finished garment offers eight size options ranging from 32½ inches to 60½ inches in bust measurement, with corresponding length adjustments from 21 inches to 23 inches down the center back.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create its structure and shaping:

• Top-Down Construction: The garment is knitted in one continuous piece beginning at the neckline and working downward, eliminating the need for seaming.
• Short-Row Shaping: The yoke utilizes short rows to create a custom fit across the shoulders and upper chest area, allowing for better garment drape and comfort.
• Circular Knitting: The project uses circular needles throughout, enabling seamless construction in the round.
• Yarn-Over Increases: Decorative and functional increases are created using yarn-overs (yo), which add visual interest while expanding the garment width.
• Charted Pattern Work: The design incorporates stitch pattern charts that knitters must follow to create the intended fabric texture and design.

Stitches Used

The Meryton Top utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined to create its finished fabric:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the garment, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a flat appearance.
• Ribbing (K2, P2): A two-by-two knit-purl rib pattern forms the neckline ribbing, providing elasticity and a finished edge that hugs the neck comfortably.
• Yarn-Over Increases: Yarn-overs create both shaping and decorative elements within the garment structure.
• Charted Stitch Patterns: Additional stitch patterns are worked from charts during the yoke and body sections, though specific stitch names are not detailed in the available pattern excerpt.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The Meryton Top calls for Berroco Skye, a yarn containing viscose fiber. Yardage requirements range from 4 balls (200 grams) for the smallest size to 7 balls (350 grams) for the largest size. The pattern specifies color #7650 Dorado. An important note regarding this yarn: Berroco Skye has a tendency to grow when washed due to its viscose content, making proper gauge swatching and blocking essential before beginning the project.

Needles: The pattern requires both 16-inch and 29-inch circular needles in sizes 3 (3.25 mm) and 5 (3.75 mm), along with one set of four double-pointed needles in the same sizes. The smaller needles are used for the ribbed neckline, while the larger needles accommodate the increased stitch count of the body.

Additional Notions: One stitch marker is needed to mark the beginning of rounds, and waste yarn should be available to hold sleeve stitches temporarily during construction.

Gauge and Finishing Considerations

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rounds equal 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch on the larger needles. Achieving accurate gauge is critical for proper fit. The pattern instructions emphasize that swatches must be washed and blocked before measuring, as the viscose content in Berroco Skye may cause growth during washing. This additional step ensures that finished measurements will be accurate and the garment will fit as intended.