Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Koko Rectangle Wrap Top Knitting

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Koko Rectangle Wrap Top

What is Being Made

The Koko Rectangle Wrap Top is a sophisticated knitted sweater designed by Susan Haviland. This garment features a unique wraparound construction that creates an elegant, draped silhouette. Available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, the top is characterized by its rectangular shape and distinctive neck opening that creates a wrap effect. The finished bust measurements range from 33 inches (Small) to 53 inches (3X), with lengths varying from 23½ to 26 inches depending on size.

Construction Technique

The Koko Rectangle Wrap Top is worked flat on straight needles and constructed bottom-up in a single continuous piece. The garment is seamed to complete the final construction. Rather than traditional armhole shaping, the pattern employs a clever wraparound design where the top is knitted from the bottom front edge to the bottom back edge in one piece. A neck slit is created during construction by working both sides simultaneously with separate balls of yarn, which are later rejoined to complete the body. This innovative construction method eliminates the need for traditional sleeve caps and armhole seaming, resulting in a fluid, wrap-style garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Koko Rectangle Wrap Top utilizes two primary stitch patterns to create visual interest and structure:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): Forms the main body of the garment in the center panel. This classic stitch is created by knitting all stitches on the right side rows and purling all stitches on the wrong side rows, producing the smooth, traditional knit fabric appearance.
• Seed Stitch: Creates decorative 7-stitch borders on both the left and right edges of the garment throughout its entire length. Seed stitch is worked by alternating knit and purl stitches within each row, with the pattern reversed on subsequent rows so that knit stitches are worked over purl stitches and vice versa. This creates a bumpy, textured border that adds visual definition and helps prevent edge curling.

The combination of these two stitches creates a sophisticated design where the smooth stockinette center is framed by textured seed stitch edging, providing both aesthetic appeal and structural stability.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Koko Rectangle Wrap Top is designed to be knitted with S. Charles Collezione RITRATTO yarn. This luxurious blend consists of 53% viscose, 28% kid mohair, 10% nylon, and 9% polyester. The yarn is supplied in balls containing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) with 198 yards (180 meters) per ball. Depending on the size being knitted, the pattern requires between 4 and 6 balls of yarn. The pattern calls for the color #130 sandy shore, a neutral tone suitable for a versatile wrap-style top.

Needles and Gauge

The garment is knitted on size 4 (3.5mm) needles, though the pattern notes that needles should be selected to obtain the specified gauge. The required gauge is 20 stitches and 27 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern sections and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends.