Robin Top Knitting Pattern

Robin Top in Rowan Creative Linen

What is Being Made

The Robin Top is a knitted garment designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 71–157 cm (28–62 inches), offering nine size options for a wide range of wearers. This is an advanced beginner level knitting project that creates a fitted top with structured shaping at the armholes and a tailored finish.

Design Features and Construction

The garment includes a shaped back panel with armhole shaping achieved through strategic decreases over multiple rows. The top features a button front closure, with seven cream coated metal buttons (15mm TGB5202 from Textile Garden) integrated into the design. The construction method involves working from the back piece upward, with careful attention to maintaining stitch patterns while shaping the garment at key points.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Slip Stitch Patterning: The pattern employs slip stitches with yarn held to the back (wyab) and yarn held to the front (wyaf) to create textured stitch definition throughout the garment
• Knit and Purl Stitches: The foundation of the pattern alternates between knit (K) and purl (P) stitches in a structured repeat sequence
• Decreasing: Armhole shaping uses single stitch decreases worked at each end of rows and alternating rows to create a fitted sleeve opening
• Casting Off: Multiple stitches are cast off at the beginning of rows to establish the armhole depth
• Pattern Repeat: A four-row pattern repeat forms the basis of the fabric texture, with specific stitch counts adjusted across nine different sizes

Materials Required

Yarn: Rowan Creative Linen (100gm balls) in two colorways: Yarn A in Apple 629 (2–4 balls depending on size) and Yarn B in Silver 650 (2–3 balls depending on size). This linen yarn provides structure and breathability suitable for a fitted top.

Needles: One pair of 4mm (US 6) needles and one pair of 4½mm (US 7) needles are required. The pattern uses needle changes to adjust gauge and fabric density at different sections of the garment.

Notions: Seven cream coated metal buttons measuring 15mm (TGB5202 from Textile Garden) complete the front closure.

Pattern Complexity

Rated as advanced beginner level, this pattern requires competence with slip stitch techniques, pattern reading across multiple size variations, and shaping adjustments. The garment demands careful attention to maintaining stitch pattern accuracy while simultaneously executing decreases for armhole shaping, making it an ideal project for knitters ready to move beyond basic garment construction into more refined tailoring techniques.