Rowan Tastu Top Knitting Pattern

Rowan Tastu Knitted Top by Marie Wallin

What is Being Made

Tastu is an intermediate-level knitted top designed by Marie Wallin for Rowan. This garment is available in five sizes ranging from extra small to extra large, with bust measurements from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches). The top features a sophisticated construction with shaped sleeves and a tailored shoulder line, making it a versatile piece suitable for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

The construction of Tastu employs several key knitting techniques essential to achieving the finished garment. Increases and decreases are worked throughout the pattern to shape the armholes and sleeves, with careful attention paid to maintaining pattern continuity. The pattern note emphasizes that when working shaping through lace pattern, each decrease must be matched by an increase to preserve the integrity of the stitch pattern. Ribbed edging is used at the cast-on edge, created using a two-by-two rib pattern that provides elasticity and a polished finish. Shoulder shaping is achieved through successive cast-offs at the beginning of rows, while neck shaping involves casting off stitches at the neck edge over multiple rows to create a refined neckline. The pattern also incorporates stitch markers to denote important construction points, such as the beginning of armhole openings.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – the fundamental stitch forming the base of the fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – used in combination with knit stitches to create texture and pattern
• Ribbed stitch – specifically a two-by-two rib (K2, P2) worked over the initial rows to create an elastic, fitted edge
• Lace pattern – a decorative stitch pattern that features throughout the garment, requiring careful coordination of yarn-overs and decreases
• Stockinette stitch (st st) – used for end stitches of rows when there are insufficient stitches to complete the full lace pattern repeat

Materials and Tools

Tastu is knitted using Rowan Softyak DK yarn, a double-knit weight yarn that provides excellent drape and softness. The quantity required varies by size, ranging from 5 to 9 balls of 50-gram skeins. The pattern shown is photographed in the colorway Peat 242. Two pairs of needles are required: 3.25mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed cast-on and initial rows, and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body of the garment. The tension is measured at 22 stitches and 30 rows over 10 centimeters using the 4mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.