Mineral Top Knitting Pattern

Mineral Top in Rowan Cotton Glace

What is Being Made

The Mineral Top is an intermediate-level knitted garment designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 in) up to 152-147 cm (60-62 in). This downloadable knitting pattern from Quails Studio produces a fitted top with an actual bust measurement of the finished garment ranging from 87 cm to 167 cm across the nine size options available.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several advanced knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. Short-row shaping is used to create a curved hemline, with wrapping techniques applied to prevent holes when turning the work mid-row. The pattern specifies wrapping stitches and turning at strategic points across rows 1-28 to achieve the shaped hem, then closing up wraps by inserting the right-hand needle under each wrap and working it together with the corresponding stitch on the needle. The garment is constructed using stockinette stitch and reverse stockinette stitch worked in alternating blocks to create visual texture and pattern interest throughout the piece.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (st st): Knit on right-side rows and purl on wrong-side rows, creating a smooth, flat fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns
• Reverse stockinette stitch (rev st st): Purl on right-side rows and knit on wrong-side rows, producing a textured, bumpy surface that contrasts with stockinette sections
• Short-row shaping with wraps: Used to create the curved hem without cutting the yarn, allowing for seamless shaping

Pattern Stitch Sequence

After the initial short-row shaping and five rows of stockinette stitch, the pattern works in a repeating sequence: four rows of reverse stockinette, four rows of stockinette, two rows of reverse stockinette, four rows of stockinette, four rows of reverse stockinette, four rows of stockinette, two rows of reverse stockinette, then knit rows for additional texture variation. This creates a distinctive striped and textured appearance.

Materials

The Mineral Top is worked in Rowan Cotton Glace, a smooth, lightweight yarn available in 50-gram balls. The pattern requires 8 to 12 balls depending on size, photographed in the colorways Mineral 856 and Bleached 726. The garment is worked on 3½mm (US 4) needles (also listed as no 9/10 in UK sizing). Additional supplies include stitch holders and stitch markers for managing stitches during construction.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a tension of 24 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over pattern stitch when blocked using 3½mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit across all nine sizes.