Skyler Top Knitting Pattern

Skyler Top in Rowan Summerlite DK

What is Being Made

The Skyler Top is a knitted garment designed as a versatile intermediate-level top. This pattern offers an extensive size range, accommodating bust measurements from 28-30 cm up to 60-62 cm (approximately 11 inches to 24 inches), making it suitable for various body types and ages. The finished garment features a structured neckband and tailored armhole shaping that creates a refined, fitted silhouette.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several intermediate techniques that build foundational garment construction skills:

• Decreasing at armholes and necklines: The pattern uses strategic decreasing on both armhole edges and neck edges, with decreases occurring on alternating rows and every fourth row depending on size. This creates professional shaping that ensures the garment sits properly on the body.
• Simultaneous shaping: Knitters work armhole and neckline decreases at the same time, requiring attention to multiple shaping sequences—a key intermediate skill.
• Mattress stitch seaming: The pattern specifies joining shoulder seams using mattress stitch (or backstitch as an alternative), which creates nearly invisible seams in stockinette stitch.
• Neckband pickup and knitting: The neckband is created by picking up and knitting stitches around the entire neck opening, a technique that requires precision and understanding of gauge relationships.
• Stripe sequence knitting: The neckband features a coordinated stripe pattern, introducing color changes within a single garment section.

Stitches Used

The Skyler Top is constructed primarily in stockinette stitch (st st), the fundamental knit stitch that creates a smooth, classic fabric with a recognizable V pattern on the right side and horizontal bumps on the wrong side. This stitch is ideal for showcasing yarn texture and drape. The pattern tension is set at 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters in stockinette stitch, which is essential information for achieving proper garment fit.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Skyler Top is designed to be knitted with Rowan Summerlite DK, a lightweight yarn in 50-gram balls. The pattern calls for two coordinating colorways:

• Yarn A: Khaki 461 – the primary color used for most of the garment and portions of the neckband
• Yarn B: Seashell 466 – used for the initial stripe rows of the neckband (rows 1 to 4)

Knitting is worked on 3.75mm (US size 5) needles, one pair required. The pattern also specifies the need for stitch holders to manage stitches during construction. The DK weight yarn paired with these needle sizes creates a fabric with good definition and drape, suitable for a refined summer top.

Pattern Structure and Finishing

The garment is constructed in pieces with careful shaping throughout. After completing the main body sections with their respective armhole and neck decreases, pieces are pressed according to standard blocking instructions. Shoulder seams are joined using mattress stitch for a professional finish, and the neckband is worked in the round using the pickup method. The stripe sequence for the neckband alternates between Yarn B (4 rows) and Yarn A (12 rows), creating a subtle decorative detail at the neck opening.