Sandlily Top Knitting Pattern

Sandlily Top in MODE at Rowan Cotton DK

What is Being Made

The Sandlily Top is a knitted garment designed by Quail Studio, available in nine sizes ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches) chest measurement. This beginner-level knitting project creates a fitted top with shaped armholes and a ribbed neckband, offering a versatile piece suitable for various body sizes and proportions.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners while creating a polished, finished garment. Key techniques include:

• Casting on and binding off: The pattern begins with casting on stitches and uses strategic bind-offs to shape the armholes at the beginning of rows
• Shaping through decreasing: Decreases are worked at each end of alternating rows to create fitted armholes, with the number of decrease rows varying by size
• Stitch pattern maintenance: The knitter must keep the stitch pattern correct while simultaneously shaping the garment, requiring attention to pattern repeats during decreases
• Circular needle work: A circular needle is used for the neckband and armbands, allowing for seamless ribbed edgings
• Shoulder shaping: The pattern includes structured shoulder shaping to ensure proper garment fit
• Back neck shaping: Stitches are strategically placed on holders and worked separately to create a properly proportioned neckline

Stitches Used

The Sandlily Top utilizes a limited palette of stitches, making it accessible for beginner knitters:

• Knit stitch (K): The primary stitch forming the fabric
• Purl stitch (P): Used in combination with knit stitches to create textural interest
• Ribbed pattern: The garment features a ribbed pattern worked over the body, with a repeating sequence of knit and purl stitches (K8, P2 repeat) creating vertical lines and elasticity. The ribbing at the lower edge is worked in a 1x1 rib pattern (alternating single knit and purl stitches), which provides stretch and definition
• Decreases: Single stitch decreases are used at armhole edges to shape the garment

Materials

The Sandlily Top is designed to be knitted with MODE at Rowan Cotton DK yarn, a medium-weight cotton yarn. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 7 balls (50 grams each) for the smallest sizes to 12 balls for the largest sizes. The pattern photograph features the top knitted in Taupe 021, a neutral neutral shade that showcases the stitch pattern clearly.

Needles required include 3.5mm (US 4) straight needles for the main body of the garment and 3.5mm (US 4) circular needles measuring 40 cm for working the neckband and armbands in the round. Additional notions include stitch holders for managing stitches during neck shaping and a stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

The pattern is worked at a tension of 26 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters over the stitch pattern using 3.5mm needles. This gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The actual chest measurement of the finished garment ranges from 86 cm (33¾ inches) for the smallest size to 166 cm (65¼ inches) for the largest size, providing a generous fit suitable for layering or relaxed wear.