Oneida Top Knitting Pattern

Oneida Top in Berroco Farro

What Is Being Made

The Oneida Top is a women's knitted pullover garment designed by Alison Green and featured in Berroco Book #415. This intermediate-level knit top is constructed using a top-down, in-the-round method, starting from the neckline and working downward to the underarms before dividing for the body and sleeves. The finished garment offers a range of nine sizes, from 32¾ inches to 63¼ inches in bust measurement, with corresponding length measurements ranging from 19¾ inches to 23½ inches. The pattern recommends 2–4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Construction Techniques

This top employs several key knitting techniques characteristic of modern garment construction. The yoke is worked in the round using circular needles, allowing for seamless construction and even stitch distribution. The garment features lifted increases as a primary shaping method, specifically using Left Lifted Purl Increases (LLPI) and Right Lifted Purl Increases (RLPI) to add stitches while maintaining clean, integrated edges. These increases are worked directly into purl bumps from previous rows, creating invisible shaping that blends seamlessly into the fabric. The top-down construction method allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length as needed before binding off.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Oneida Top is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which is worked by knitting every round when working in the round. This creates a smooth, classic fabric with a V-shaped stitch appearance on the right side. The pattern also incorporates cable stitches, as indicated by the inclusion of a cable needle in the required notions, though specific cable details are referenced in a chart that continues beyond the provided excerpt. The combination of stockinette and cable work creates visual interest and texture variation in the finished garment.

Yarn and Materials

The Oneida Top is designed to be worked in Berroco Farro, a yarn produced by Berroco, Inc. The pattern calls for 5 to 11 balls of yarn (each ball weighing 50 grams) depending on the size being knitted, with the sample shown in size 36¼ inches worked in colorway #6445 Viola. The yarn is worked at a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rounds over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch using the larger needles.

Needles and Notions

Construction of the Oneida Top requires a specific set of needles and accessories. Knitters will need circular needles in size 6 (4.00 mm) in both 16-inch and 29-inch lengths for the main fabric, as well as circular needles in size 4 (3.50 mm) in 16-inch length for ribbed edgings. Additionally, double-pointed needles in size 4 (3.50 mm) are required for finishing details such as neckline or cuff work. A cable needle is necessary for working cable stitches, and the pattern requires five stitch markers (with one in a contrasting color to denote the beginning of rounds). Waste yarn is also needed to hold stitches temporarily during the construction process, allowing for seamless joining or future adjustments.

Gauge and Fit Considerations

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit and finished measurements. The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rounds equaling 4 inches when working Stockinette Stitch with the larger size 6 (4.00 mm) needles. Berroco recommends that knitters take time to check gauge before beginning the project to ensure accurate finished measurements and proper garment proportions. The pattern includes detailed finished measurements for all nine sizes, allowing knitters to select the appropriate size based on desired bust circumference and length.