Top Knitting Pattern

Noro Top Knitting Pattern by Jenny Watson

Project Overview

This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed to create a fitted top with decorative lace detailing. The garment is suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working with stitch decreases, yarn overs, and maintaining pattern continuity across multiple rows. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and includes instructions for four different bust sizes.

What Is Being Made

The pattern creates a women's top designed by Jenny Watson, featuring a shaped front piece with armhole and front edge shaping. The top is designed to fit bust measurements of 71-76cm (28-30 inches), 81-86cm (32-34 inches), 91-97cm (36-38 inches), and 102-107cm (40-42 inches). The actual finished bust measurements are 84cm (33 inches), 94cm (37 inches), 103cm (40.5 inches), and 112cm (44 inches) respectively. The garment has a full length ranging from 50-55cm (19.75-21.75 inches) depending on size.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques that create visual interest and structure. The design incorporates lace work created through strategic yarn overs and decreases, which form an openwork pattern throughout the garment. Armhole shaping is achieved through decreasing stitches at the armhole edge to create a fitted sleeve opening. Front edge shaping is worked simultaneously with armhole shaping, requiring the knitter to maintain pattern continuity while decreasing at multiple points. The pattern uses cast-off techniques at the front edge and employs various decrease methods to shape the garment properly.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The pattern is built on an 8-row repeat that creates the primary design element. The stitch pattern combines fundamental knitting stitches with decorative techniques:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches form the base of the pattern
• Yarn forward (yfwd) and yarn round needle (yrn) create deliberate holes and openwork effects
• Slip, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over (s1, K2tog, psso) creates centered double decreases that are characteristic of lace patterns
• Purl two together (P2tog) and knit two together (K2tog) provide single decreases for shaping
• Slip one knitways (s1) is used in conjunction with other stitches to create the decrease sequences

The 8-row pattern repeat (rows 1-8) establishes the lace motif and is maintained throughout the garment while simultaneously working the necessary shaping decreases. Rows 2 and every alternate row are worked in purl. Row 3 features the characteristic lace pattern with yarn overs and centered decreases. Row 5 combines purl stitches with yarn overs and knit stitches to create textural variation. Row 7 continues the lace pattern with different stitch placement. Row 8 returns to purl to complete the repeat.

Materials Required

The pattern specifies Noro Taiyo 4ply yarn in quantities of 200g for the two smaller sizes and 300g for the two larger sizes. The yarn choice contributes to the drape and appearance of the finished garment. Two pairs of knitting needles are required: 3.25mm (US 3) needles for the main fabric and 2.75mm (US 2) needles, likely for ribbing or edge work. One button is included in the materials list, suggesting a button closure detail on the finished garment.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 26 stitches and 34 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over the lace pattern using 3.25mm (US 3) knitting needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements and ensuring the garment fits as designed.