Mojave Top Knitting Pattern

Mojave Top in Rowan Summerlite DK

What is Being Made

The Mojave Top is a knitted garment designed by Chloe Thurlow. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted top available in nine sizes, ranging from chest measurements of 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches). The finished garment includes side borders and is constructed with careful shaping at the armholes, shoulders, and neckline.

Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs several key techniques suited to intermediate knitters. The construction begins with a cast-on foundation and incorporates increases worked at regular intervals to shape the garment body. Pattern maintenance during shaping is required as stitches are increased into an established stitch pattern. The pattern includes armhole shaping achieved through decreases worked over multiple rows and alternating rows, creating a fitted sleeve opening. Shoulder shaping uses stepped cast-offs to create a sloped shoulder line. Neckline shaping involves casting off stitches at the beginning of rows and working each side of the neck separately to create a finished neck opening. The garment is completed with a neckband worked on a circular needle, and button bands are incorporated into the design.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch (st st), which forms the main fabric of the garment. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows measured over 10 centimeters in stockinette stitch, establishing the gauge required for proper fit. The garment also features side borders as part of the overall construction, and a stitch pattern that must be maintained throughout the shaping process, indicating the inclusion of a textured or decorative stitch pattern beyond basic stockinette.

Materials

This pattern calls for Rowan Summerlite DK yarn, a lightweight double-knit weight fiber. The yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 3 to 7 balls of 50-gram skeins. Two colorways are specified:

• Color A: Mocha 451 – the primary color
• Color B: Linen 460 – used in smaller quantities

Needles required include one pair of 3¼mm (US 3) needles and one pair of 3¾mm (US 5) needles for working the main fabric at the appropriate gauge. A 3¼mm (US 3) circular needle measuring at least 110 centimeters in length is needed for the neckband. The pattern also specifies 8 corozo buttons measuring 18mm (TGB2869 from Textile Garden) for the button bands.