Mini Cello Top Knitting Pattern

Mini Cello Top in Rowan Cotton Cashmere

What Is Being Made

The Mini Cello Top is a fitted knitted garment designed for children, available in five size options to fit ages 3-4 through 11-12 years. The garment features a classic crew neckline with structured shoulder shaping and is photographed in the Ecru colorway of Rowan Cotton Cashmere yarn. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a polished, tailored piece suitable for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several essential intermediate knitting techniques. Shaping is a primary focus, with decreases worked at the neck edge over multiple rows to create a fitted neckline on both front and back pieces. Shoulder shaping is achieved through strategic cast-offs at the beginning of rows, allowing the garment to sit properly on small shoulders. The pattern requires working each side of the neck separately after dividing stitches, a technique that allows for independent shaping of left and right sides. Stitch holders are used to temporarily secure stitches—particularly the center back and center front neckband stitches—while other sections are completed. The construction follows a standard flat knitting method, working pieces separately before finishing.

Stitches Used

The Mini Cello Top features a ribbed stitch pattern as its primary texture. The pattern begins with Row 1 (RS): K3, *P3, K3, rep from * to end, establishing a repeating knit-purl rhythm that creates vertical ribbing. This classic ribbed texture provides elasticity and visual interest while maintaining structure. The ribbing is worked over the full width of the cast-on stitches and continues as the foundation for the garment's main fabric. Additional stitches used include basic knit and purl stitches for the pattern repeat, along with decreases at the neck edge to shape the neckline and cast-offs for shoulder and final edge finishing.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This pattern calls for Rowan Cotton Cashmere yarn in 50-gram balls. The yardage requirement varies by size, with the smallest size (3-4 years) requiring 4 balls and larger sizes (7-8 years and up) requiring 5 balls. The yarn is a blend that combines the breathability of cotton with the softness of cashmere, making it ideal for children's garments. The photographed sample is worked in the Ecru 226 colorway.

Needles specified include 4mm (US 6) needles for the main fabric and 3.25mm (US 3) circular needles no longer than 30 cm for finishing the neckband. The pattern also requires stitch holders to manage active stitches during construction. Tension is critical for proper fit: the pattern specifies 21.5 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the ribbed pattern using 4mm needles.

Garment Specifications

• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Available sizes: To fit ages 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12 years
• Chest measurements: 53-56 cm (21-22 in) to 76-79 cm (30-31 in)
• Actual garment chest measurements: 64 cm (25¼ in) to 86.5 cm (34 in)
• Format: Downloadable PDF pattern