Tahki Yarns Bower Shell Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Bower Shell Knitted Sweater

What is Being Made

The Bower Shell is a sleeveless knitted sweater designed by Irina Poludnenko. This garment is a classic shell-style top available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2X, with finished bust measurements from 30½ inches (77.5 cm) to 49½ inches (125.5 cm) and lengths from 20 inches (51 cm) to 25¼ inches (64 cm). The shell features a contemporary construction with color blocking created through the use of multiple yarn colors strategically placed throughout the design.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Bower Shell is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward toward the shoulders. The pattern employs seamed construction, where individual pieces are knitted separately and then sewn together to form the finished garment. All pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier stitch manipulation and shaping throughout the project.

The pattern includes raglan shaping at the armholes, which creates diagonal decreasing lines from the underarm toward the neckline. Side bands are picked up and knit directly from the edges of the main pieces, a technique that adds structural integrity and a polished finish to the garment. This method of picking up stitches along edges is an efficient way to create coordinating bands without additional seaming.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Bower Shell is Stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a defined right side (knit rows) and wrong side (purl rows). This fundamental stitch pattern is ideal for showcasing the color variations in the yarn.

Complementing the Stockinette stitch is Garter Rib, a textured pattern worked over a multiple of 2 stitches using alternating knit and purl stitches in rows. This pattern creates a subtle ribbed texture that provides visual interest and elasticity, making it suitable for finishing edges and creating the side bands that frame the garment.

The pattern incorporates essential decreasing techniques including K2tog (knit 2 together) and Ssk (slip, slip, knit), which are used to shape the raglan armholes and create the fitted silhouette. These decreases are worked through the front and back loops as specified in the pattern to maintain consistent stitch definition.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Bower Shell is designed to be knitted with Tahki Yarns TANDEM, a versatile blend yarn composed of 28% cotton, 28% viscose, 28% nylon, and 16% acrylic. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 107 yards (98 meters) of yardage. This fiber content creates a fabric with excellent drape, breathability, and durability—ideal characteristics for a sleeveless shell garment.

The pattern calls for three coordinating colorways of TANDEM yarn. The primary color is #13 Smoky Mountains (color A), which forms the main body of the garment and requires 3 to 5 balls depending on size. This is complemented by #17 Driftwood (color B) and #12 Granite (color C), each requiring 2 to 4 balls per color based on the selected size. The color blocking created by these three coordinating shades adds visual dimension and contemporary style to the finished piece.

Needles and Gauge

The Bower Shell is knitted using size 8 (5mm) needles, or the appropriate needle size needed to achieve the specified gauge. A yarn needle is required for seaming the pieces together and weaving in yarn ends.

The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements and fit. Knitters are advised to take time to check gauge before beginning the project, as even small variations can significantly affect the final garment size.

Difficulty Level

The Bower Shell is rated as a beginner-friendly knitting project, making it an excellent choice for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle simple shaping and color work. The straightforward stitch patterns, clear construction method, and manageable decreasing techniques make this an approach