Noro Lace Sleeveless Top Knitting Pattern

Noro Lace Sleeveless Top

What is Being Made

The Noro Lace Sleeveless Top is an intermediate-level knitted garment designed as a fitted, sleeveless pullover. This piece features lace patterning throughout and is available in five size options ranging from Small to XXX-Large, with finished bust measurements from 37 inches (94cm) to 61¾ inches (157cm) and lengths from 19 to 24 inches (48 to 61cm) depending on size selection.

Knitting Techniques Used

This project employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques essential for creating the lace design and shaping the garment:

• Make One Increases: Both knitwise and purlwise increases are used to add stitches strategically throughout the pattern. The knitwise version involves inserting the left-hand needle from front to back under the strand between stitches and knitting into the back loop. The purlwise variation lifts the strand between stitches and purls it to create an additional stitch.
• Decreases: Slip, slip, knit (or purl) decreases are employed to shape the garment and create lace elements. This technique involves slipping two stitches knitwise one at a time, then inserting the left-hand needle through their fronts and knitting or purling them together.
• Lace Chart Work: The pattern includes charted lace sections with "no stitch" spaces indicated by shaded areas where stitches have been decreased or not yet made. Knitters skip over these spaces while working the active stitches of the chart.
• Stitch Markers: Contrasting yarn or purchased stitch markers are placed on the needle to help track pattern repeats and shaping sections throughout the project.
• Pick Up and Knit/Purl: Stitches are picked up and knitted or purled along edges, a technique commonly used for attaching ribbing or creating seamless transitions between sections.
• Selvage Stitches: Edge stitches are maintained throughout to facilitate easier seaming of the finished garment.

Stitches Used

The Noro Lace Sleeveless Top incorporates essential knitting stitches combined to create both the lace pattern and structural elements:

• Knit and Purl Stitches: The foundation of the garment, these basic stitches form the fabric base and are worked according to the lace chart pattern.
• Yarn Overs: These create the characteristic openings in lace patterns, allowing yarn to pass over the needle to add stitches and create decorative holes.
• Slip Stitches: Stitches are passed from the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle as if to purl without working them, used in decrease sequences and pattern shaping.
• Ribbing: Typically created with alternating knit and purl stitches, ribbing provides elasticity at edges and helps the garment maintain its shape.

Materials and Tools

The Noro Lace Sleeveless Top is constructed using Noro Akari yarn in colorway #6. The yardage requirement varies by size, with the Small size requiring 1 ball of 200g and all larger sizes (Medium/Large through XXX-Large) requiring 2 balls of 200g each.

The project utilizes multiple circular needles in different sizes to accommodate various sections of the garment. Construction begins with US 6/4mm circular needles measuring 32 inches (80cm) long, which are then switched to US 7/4.5mm circular needles of the same length for subsequent sections. A smaller US 6/4mm circular needle measuring 16 inches (40cm) long is used for working smaller circumferences, such as necklines or arm openings. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction.

Craft and Construction Notes

As an intermediate-level project, the Noro Lace Sleeveless Top requires familiarity with reading lace charts, executing yarn overs and decreases in coordinated sequences, and managing multiple stitches across circular needles. The use of Noro Akari yarn, known for its variegated colorways and subtle texture, adds visual interest to the lace pattern. The sleeveless construction and fitted silhouette make this top suitable for layering or wearing during warmer seasons, while the lace detailing provides an elegant, refined aesthetic.