Rosa Top Knitting Pattern

Rosa Knitted Top in Rowan Summerlite 4ply

What is Being Made

Rosa is a knitted top designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76 cm up to 152-157 cm, with actual garment bust measurements from 76 cm to 158.5 cm. This beginner-level project creates a classic fitted knit top with shaped armholes and a tailored back neck shaping, making it suitable for knitters new to garment construction.

Techniques Used

The Rosa pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners, including:

• Ribbed edging worked in knit and purl combinations for a professional finish
• Stockinette stitch as the primary fabric construction
• Armhole shaping through straight increases and decreases
• Back neck shaping using cast-off stitches at the beginning of rows
• Decorative decreases using K3tog tbl (knit three together through the back loop) for a refined neckline
• Separate working of left and right shoulder sections to achieve proper neck depth and definition

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes basic knitting stitches that form the foundation of garment knitting:

• Knit stitch (K) – the primary stitch forming stockinette stitch fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – used in ribbed borders for elasticity and visual texture
• Ribbing (K2, P2) – creates the elastic edging at the cast-on
• K3tog tbl (knit three together through back loop) – a left-leaning decrease used for decorative neck shaping
• Cast-off stitches – used to bind off stitches at the back neck for structured shaping

Materials

Yarn: Rowan Summerlite 4ply, a lightweight four-ply yarn supplied in 50-gram balls. The pattern is photographed in the colorway Coral Blush 442. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 5 balls for the smallest size to 8 balls for the largest size.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes to achieve proper tension and fabric control. A pair of 2.25mm (UK size 13, US size 1) needles is used for the ribbed edging, while a pair of 3mm (UK size 11, US size 2/3) needles is used for the main stockinette stitch fabric. A 2.25mm circular needle no longer than 60 cm is also needed for working certain sections. Additional notions include stitch holders for managing live stitches during neck shaping.

Tension

The pattern is designed to be worked at a tension of 28 stitches and 36 rows over 10 centimeters when measured over stockinette stitch using 3mm (US 2/3) needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for the garment to fit properly across the nine size options provided.