Soller Top Knitting Pattern

Soller in Top in Rowan Cotton Glacé

What is Being Made

The Soller in Top is a knitted garment designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76 cm to 152-157 cm, with actual bust measurements of the finished garment spanning from 76 cm to 157.5 cm. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a fitted top with shaped shoulders and a finished neckline, suitable for a range of sizes from extra small through to extra large.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several essential knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate skill level. The construction involves casting on a substantial stitch count to establish the back panel, followed by shaping through decreasing at the neck edges to create a refined neckline. The pattern uses stitch holders to manage stitches during construction, particularly for holding stitches during the neckband application and shoulder shaping. Shoulder shaping is achieved through strategic casting off at the beginning of rows, while neck shaping is accomplished through decreasing at regular intervals—including single decreases on consecutive rows and decreases worked on alternating rows and fourth rows for a gradual, professional finish. The pattern requires working each side of the neck separately after dividing the stitches, a technique that allows for independent shaping of left and right sides.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The Soller in Top is worked using a stitch pattern referred to as "patt" throughout the instructions, which is maintained consistently across shaping rows. The pattern is worked over 26 stitches and 32.5 rows per 10 centimeters, establishing the gauge for the entire garment. The back begins with casting on between 109 and 215 stitches depending on size, while the front is shaped with a deeper neckline, requiring 22 to 28 fewer rows of work before shoulder shaping begins compared to the back. The neckband is created by slipping the center stitches (ranging from 31 to 39 stitches depending on size) onto a holder for later application.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

This pattern is designed to be worked in Rowan Cotton Glacé, a lightweight cotton yarn supplied in 50-gram balls. The yardage requirement varies by size, with quantities ranging from 9 balls for smaller sizes to 12 balls for the largest size (the pattern shown in the photograph uses Ecru 725). The pattern is worked on 3½mm (US 4) needles, specified as a pair of straight needles for the main fabric and a 40-centimeter circular needle for the neckband application. Additional notions required include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction.