Perse Top Knitting Pattern

Perse Top in Berroco Modern Linen

What Is Being Made

The Perse Top is a knitted garment designed by the Berroco Design Team as an intermediate-level knitting project. This top features a distinctive open construction in the back, making it a versatile piece suitable for a wide range of sizes. The garment is available in ten different sizes, ranging from a finished bust measurement of 33 inches (84 cm) up to 57½ inches (146 cm), with corresponding length options from 19 inches (48.5 cm) to 31 inches (78.5 cm). The open back design allows for significant positive ease—approximately 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25 cm)—giving wearers flexibility in fit selection.

Construction Technique

The Perse Top employs a top-down construction method that maximizes efficiency and allows for easy customization. The body of the garment is worked as a single piece beginning at the front shoulders and progressing downward. This seamless construction eliminates the need for seaming and creates a cohesive, professionally finished garment. The lower edge is shaped using short rows, a technique that creates gradual shaping and dimensional fit without increasing or decreasing stitches in the traditional manner. Once the body is complete, sleeves are picked up around the armholes and worked in the round. The sleeve caps are also shaped using short rows for a tailored fit, and the sleeves are then worked downward in the round to the cuffs.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The primary stitch used in this pattern is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a V-knit appearance on the right side. Stockinette stitch is worked by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round. The pattern relies on short-row shaping, a versatile technique that involves working back and forth over a partial number of stitches to create curves and contours. Short rows are used strategically at the lower edge of the body and at the sleeve caps to achieve the intended silhouette. The use of circular needles in both flat and round construction allows for seamless transitions and the ability to work large stitch counts comfortably.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Perse Top is designed to be worked in Berroco Modern Linen, a yarn that combines the structure of linen with the softness of a blended fiber. The pattern calls for the colorway Plateau (color #11304). Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 3 hanks (300 grams) for the smallest sizes to 7 hanks (700 grams) for the largest sizes. Each hank of Berroco Modern Linen weighs 100 grams.

Needles: The pattern requires two circular needles: a 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle and a 32-inch (80 cm) circular needle, both in size 7 (4.5 mm). Circular needles are used throughout the construction, even for flat sections, to accommodate the large stitch counts and provide comfortable working conditions. Knitters may substitute a different needle size if necessary to achieve the required gauge.

Additional Notions: Completing the Perse Top requires eight regular stitch markers, two removable stitch markers or safety pins for marking important points, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and any finishing work. Stitch markers are essential for tracking pattern repeats and construction points throughout the top-down build.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, measured after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is critical for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the garment fits as intended. The pattern notes emphasize the importance of checking gauge before beginning the project to avoid sizing discrepancies. Blocking the finished garment is recommended to set the stitches and achieve the precise measurements listed in the pattern.