Romaine Top Knitting Pattern

Romaine Knit Top by Berroco

What Is Being Made

Romaine is an intermediate-level knit top designed by Amy Christoffers. This garment is a pullover-style sweater available in four sizes with finished bust measurements ranging from 46½ inches to 59 inches. The design features a longer back length compared to the front, with the back extending 4 inches beyond the front. The front measures between 22 and 25 inches in length depending on size, while the back is proportionally longer. The garment is shown in the smallest size (46½ inches) with approximately 14 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Techniques Used

This knit top employs several intermediate-level construction techniques. The lower hems are worked separately and shaped using short rows, a technique that creates shaping without increasing or decreasing stitches in the traditional manner. The front and back hems are then joined together, and the body is worked in the round from the joined hems up to the underarms. This seamless construction method reduces finishing work and creates a smooth, professional appearance. The pattern requires working with both flat and circular needles at different stages of construction.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used in this garment is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric that forms the main body of the top. The lower hem features ribbing, which is worked as a knit-purl combination pattern. Specifically, the ribbing is established with a pattern of k1, p1 (knit one, purl one) across the row, with edge stitches worked in garter stitch (knit on all rows) for stability. Short-row shaping, which involves wrapping stitches and turning work before reaching the end of the row, is used to create the shaped hem sections.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: This pattern calls for Berroco Ultra Alpaca Natural, a natural fiber yarn. The yardage requirement is 4 to 6 hanks depending on size, with each hank weighing 100 grams. The specific colorway shown is #62502 Wild Rice. Berroco Ultra Alpaca Natural is a premium alpaca blend yarn that provides softness and warmth.

Needles: The pattern requires multiple needle sizes and types. A 29-inch circular needle in size 6 (4.00 mm) is used for the ribbed hem sections, while a 29-inch circular needle in size 8 (5.00 mm) is used for the main body worked in stockinette stitch. A 16-inch circular needle in size 6 (4.00 mm) is needed for working smaller circumferences at the neckline or upper body. Additionally, one set of four double-pointed needles (dpns) in size 6 (4.00 mm) is required, along with a spare straight needle in size 8 (5.00 mm) for various techniques. Knitters should select needle sizes to achieve the specified gauge.

Notions and Gauge: The pattern requires 2 stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction points, and waste yarn to hold stitches temporarily. The correct gauge is 19 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needle. Achieving proper gauge is essential for accurate finished measurements, and knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project.