Mirasol Easter Totem Jumper Knitting Pattern

Mirasol Easter Totem Tank Top

What is Being Made

The Easter Totem is a sleeveless tank top designed by Michelle Porter, offered in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X-Large. This is a standard-fitting garment with approximately 5-10cm (2-4 inches) of ease built into the design. The finished bust measurements range from 86.5cm (34 inches) for the Small size to 137cm (54 inches) for the 3X-Large, with corresponding length adjustments from 48cm (19 inches) to 61cm (24 inches). The garment features a shaped hem that creates visual interest and structure at the lower edge.

Techniques Used

The Easter Totem is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning knitting begins at the hem and progresses upward toward the neckline. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which allows for easier shaping and construction. The finished pieces are then seamed together to create the complete garment. This traditional method of construction provides excellent control over fit and allows for precise shaping of the armholes and neckline.

The shaped hem is created through a series of strategic cast-on increases worked at the beginning of alternating rows. This technique gradually expands the stitch count from the initial cast-on, creating a flared or shaped lower edge that adds visual dimension to the tank top. The pattern uses the thumb method or backward loop method for casting on, both of which are accessible techniques suitable for knitters of various skill levels.

Stitches Used

The Easter Totem is primarily constructed using Stocking stitch (also known as Stockinette stitch), which is the most fundamental and widely recognized knit fabric. Stocking stitch is created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic fabric with distinctive V-shaped columns on the front and horizontal bumps on the back. This stitch is ideal for showcasing the color and texture of the yarn while maintaining a neat, professional appearance.

The pattern also incorporates basic shaping techniques including increases at the hem edge and decreases for armhole and neckline shaping. These fundamental stitch manipulations are worked within the Stocking stitch fabric to create the garment's silhouette and fit.

Materials and Yarn

The Easter Totem is designed to be knitted using Mirasol Pima Splash yarn in color #102. The yardage requirements vary by size: Small through Large sizes require three 100g skeins, Medium and Large require four skeins, and the 2X-Large and 3X-Large sizes require four and five skeins respectively. Pima Splash is a premium yarn choice that offers excellent stitch definition and drape, making it well-suited for a fitted tank top design.

The pattern calls for 5.5mm (US size 9) straight needles for the main fabric construction, along with a 5.5mm (US size 9) circular needle measuring 60cm (24 inches) long for finishing details such as neckline and armhole edgings. Additional notions include stitch holders or spare needles for holding stitches during construction and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming the finished pieces together.

Tension and Finishing

The pattern specifies a tension of 16 stitches and 26 rows over 10cm (4 inches) in Stocking stitch, measured on blocked fabric. Achieving the correct tension is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and proper fit. The pattern is rated as EASY skill level, making it accessible to knitters who have mastered basic knit and purl stitches and are ready to tackle simple shaping and seaming.