Patti Top Knitting Pattern

Patti Top in Berroco Chai

What is Being Made

The Patti Top is a fitted knit garment designed by Amy Christoffers. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a tailored top with shaping through strategic decreases and armhole construction. The finished measurements range from a 34-inch bust (extra small) to a 70-inch bust (3XL), with lower edge measurements that provide positive ease for comfortable wear. The garment length varies slightly across sizes, ranging from approximately 23 to 25.5 inches, making it suitable as a versatile layering piece or standalone top.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques to achieve its structured silhouette:

• Decrease shaping: The pattern uses strategic decreases worked every fourth row to create a tapered waist. The decreases are worked symmetrically using k2tog (knit two together) and SSK (slip, slip, knit) stitches positioned two stitches from each edge, creating a balanced, professional appearance.
• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch pattern provides a smooth, classic fabric suitable for showcasing the yarn's characteristics.
• Garter stitch ribbing: The lower edge begins with five rows of garter stitch (knit every row), which creates a stable, non-curling foundation and helps define the hem.
• Armhole shaping: Bind-off decreases at the armhole openings create proper sleeve cap depth and garment structure.
• Circular needle construction: The pattern utilizes a 16-inch circular needle for the ribbed lower edge, allowing for seamless transitions and even tension distribution.

Stitches Used

The Patti Top relies on a straightforward stitch vocabulary appropriate for intermediate knitters:

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The main fabric, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the characteristic smooth, V-patterned surface.
• Garter stitch: Worked at the cast-on edge by knitting every row for five rows, creating a textured, reversible band that prevents edge curl.
• K2tog (knit two together): A right-leaning decrease used on right-side rows to shape the waist.
• SSK (slip, slip, knit): A left-leaning decrease that balances the k2tog decreases for symmetrical waist shaping.
• Bind-off: Used to secure stitches at armhole openings and other edges to prevent unraveling.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Patti Top is designed specifically for Berroco Chai, a yarn from Berroco, Inc. The pattern calls for color #8603 Linen. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from five balls (approximately 250 grams) for the smallest size to ten balls (approximately 500 grams) for the largest size. Each ball of Berroco Chai weighs 50 grams, allowing knitters to calculate exact yardage based on their chosen size.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires two needle sizes to create proper fabric density and structure. Size 4 (3.5 mm) needles are used for the ribbed lower edge and are maintained for the 16-inch circular needle used at the cast-on. Size 6 (4 mm) needles are used for the main stockinette stitch body, allowing the fabric to drape appropriately while maintaining the intended gauge. Additional notions include one stitch holder for holding stitches during construction, two stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and one removable stitch marker for row counting or gauge checking.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project's success. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working stockinette stitch with the larger (size 6 / 4 mm) needles. The pattern includes nine finished bust sizes with corresponding measurements, accommodating a wide range of body types. Recommended positive ease ranges from 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters), meaning the finished bust measurement should be 2 to 4 inches larger than the wearer's actual bust measurement for comfortable fit and movement.