Relax Lace Top Knitting Pattern

Relax Lace Top by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Relax Lace Top is a knitted garment designed to fit chest sizes ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) through 152-157 cm (60-62 inches), with corresponding finished chest measurements from 78.5 cm (31 inches) to 160 cm (63 inches). This is an intermediate-level knitting project that features decorative lace patterning throughout the garment.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is designed to be worked in Rowan Cotton Revive, a cotton yarn supplied in 100-gram balls. The quantity required varies by size, ranging from 2 to 5 balls depending on the chosen dimensions. The pattern is available in multiple colorways, with the patterned version photographed in Sienna 004 and the plain version photographed in Pebble 001.

Needles Required

Two pairs of needles are needed to complete this project:

• 1 pair of 3¼mm needles (UK size 10 / US size 3)
• 1 pair of 3¾mm needles (UK size 9 / US size 5)

Tension and Gauge

The pattern is worked to a tension of 25 stitches and 34 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over the lace pattern and stockinette stitch using the 3¾mm (US 5) needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Relax Lace Top employs several fundamental knitting techniques combined to create its decorative lace effect:

Lace Pattern Construction: The garment features a 16-row lace pattern repeat that forms the primary design element. This pattern is maintained consistently throughout the body of the garment using a combination of yarn overs and decreases.

Yarn Overs (yfwd): Yarn forward stitches are used extensively to create the openwork characteristic of lace knitting. These stitches add decorative holes and texture to the fabric while maintaining stitch count when paired with decreases.

Decreases: The pattern utilizes two primary decrease methods:

• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso): A left-leaning decrease that slants the lace pattern in one direction
• Knit two together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease that creates the opposing slant in the lace motif

Stockinette Stitch: Sections of the garment are worked in basic stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), which provides a smooth, classic fabric base that contrasts with the lace patterning.

Shaping Techniques: The pattern incorporates strategic decreases at each end of the garment on specified rows to create a fitted silhouette. Decreases are worked at regular intervals—some on every 8th row and others on every 6th row—to achieve the desired shaping while maintaining pattern integrity.

Pattern Repeats: The lace pattern is constructed using repeating sequences of stitches marked with asterisks (*) in the instructions, allowing the decorative motif to flow continuously across the width of the garment. Different sizes require different stitch counts and pattern adjustments to accommodate the range of finished measurements.

The combination of these techniques creates a sophisticated, breathable garment suitable for warm-weather wear, with the cotton yarn providing comfort and drape.