Solene Top MODE Collection in Rowan Summerlite 4ply and Kidsilk Haze

Solène Top MODE Collection

What is Being Made

The Solène Top is a knitted garment designed as an intermediate-level pullover or button-front top. This pattern is part of the MODE Collection by Quails Studio and is available in nine different sizes, with actual chest measurements ranging from 86 cm to 167.5 cm (33¾ in to 66 in). The garment features a fitted silhouette with shaped shoulders, a defined back neck, and structured armhole details.

Techniques Used

This intermediate knitting project employs several key techniques to create a polished, professional finish. The construction begins with ribbed edging at the lower body, which provides elasticity and structure. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch, a fundamental knitting technique that creates a smooth, flat fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns on the right side.

The pattern incorporates shoulder shaping and neck shaping through strategic cast-off decreases, which are worked on right-side rows to create clean, visible edges. Armhole shaping is achieved through decreases worked at specified intervals. The pattern also includes frilled armhole details, which are created using circular needles and require careful stitch management. A neckband is worked separately using stitches held on a holder, and the garment features button bands worked along the front opening, requiring precision in stitch placement and tension.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K): The primary stitch forming the stockinette stitch fabric
• Purl stitch (P): Used in combination with knit stitches to create the ribbed edging pattern
• Ribbing (K2, P2): A 2x2 rib pattern worked over 10 cm at the cast-on edge for elasticity and definition
• Stockinette stitch (st st): Alternating knit and purl rows to create the smooth main fabric
• Cast-off (bind-off): Used to finish edges and create shaped decreases at shoulders and neck
• Decreases: Single stitch decreases at neck edges to create fitted shaping

Materials

The Solène Top is designed to be worked using two complementary yarns held together throughout the project. Rowan Summerlite 4ply in Pure White (shade 417) forms the primary yarn, with quantities ranging from 6 to 8 balls of 50 grams depending on size. This is paired with Rowan Kidsilk Haze in White (shade 612), requiring 5 to 7 balls of 25 grams per garment. Working these two yarns together—one strand of each held as one—creates a lightweight, breathable fabric with subtle texture and drape, ideal for a summer top.

The pattern requires 3mm (US 2/3) needles for all construction. Specifically, knitters will need one pair of 3mm straight needles for the main body work, plus three 3mm circular needles: two short circular needles no more than 40 cm long for working the armhole frills, and one longer circular needle of at least 120 cm for the front band. The garment is finished with 4 buttons.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a tension of 30 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stockinette stitch using 3mm needles with one strand each of Rowan Summerlite 4ply and Rowan Kidsilk Haze held together. Accurate gauge ensures the garment will fit as intended across all nine size options.