Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Stonecrop Top Knitting Pattern

Stonecrop Top by Roberta Platt

What is Being Made

The Stonecrop Top is a knitted sweater designed by Roberta Platt for Stacy Charles Fine Yarns. This garment is an easy-level knit suitable for beginners and intermediate knitters. It is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 39 inches (99 cm) to 59 inches (150 cm) and lengths from 23 inches (58.5 cm) to 27¾ inches (70.5 cm).

Techniques Used

The Stonecrop Top is worked flat on straight needles and features seamed construction. The garment is knit from side to side, which is a horizontal construction method that allows for unique shaping and fit. This side-to-side approach requires careful attention to increases and decreases placed at marked positions to shape the body of the sweater.

The pattern employs strategic increases worked at marked intervals throughout the front and back pieces. Increases are distributed across different sections of the garment to create the proper fit and silhouette. The construction method makes this an engaging project for knitters looking to expand their technical skills beyond basic top-down or bottom-up sweater construction.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern for the Stonecrop Top is Stockinette stitch, which is worked by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. This classic stitch creates a smooth, uniform fabric with a polished appearance ideal for showcasing the qualities of the yarn.

The pattern also incorporates K1, P1 ribbing for finishing edges and cuffs. This ribbing pattern alternates single knit stitches with single purl stitches and provides elasticity and structure to edge areas.

Shaping is accomplished using the following decrease and increase techniques:

• K2tog (Knit 2 Together): A right-leaning decrease worked by knitting two stitches together through the front loops
• Ssk (Slip, Slip, Knit): A left-leaning decrease created by slipping two stitches individually knitwise, returning them to the left needle in turned position, then knitting them together through the back loops
• M1L (Make 1 Left): A left-leaning increase made by lifting the strand between needles from front to back and knitting through the back loop with a twist to prevent holes
• M1R (Make 1 Right): A right-leaning increase created by lifting the strand between needles from back to front and knitting through the front loop with a twist

Materials and Gauge

The Stonecrop Top is designed to be knitted with Stacy Charles Fine Yarns NINA, a linen and cotton blend yarn composed of 77% linen and 23% cotton. The yarn is available in color #31 Wheat, a natural neutral tone. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 136 yards (125 meters) of yardage. Depending on size, the pattern requires between 7 and 10 balls of yarn.

The project is worked on size 6 (4mm) needles, or the size required to obtain proper gauge. The recommended gauge is 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette stitch. Knitters are strongly advised to knit a gauge swatch and measure carefully before beginning, as gauge accuracy is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Additional materials required include stitch markers for tracking increase positions and a yarn needle for seaming the finished pieces together and weaving in ends.