Tops Knitting Pattern

Tops in Stylecraft Savannah 9983 - Knitted Tops Pattern

What Is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern features two distinct top designs in the Savannah collection: a Stocking Stitch Top and a Cable Top. Both styles are available in a comprehensive range of sizes from 81-86cm (32-34 inches) to 122-127cm (48-50 inches) bust measurement, making these versatile garments suitable for various body types. The pattern includes larger sizes, accommodating bust measurements up to 127cm (50 inches).

Design Details and Fit

The Stocking Stitch Top features a classic, streamlined silhouette with actual finished bust measurements ranging from 102cm to 142cm (40 to 56 inches) depending on the chosen size. Full length measurements vary from 57cm to 67cm (22½ to 26½ inches), providing options for different style preferences. The Cable Top offers a textured alternative within the same size range, allowing knitters to choose between a smooth, elegant finish or a more decorative cable-detailed version.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques:

• Ribbed edging - The pattern begins with 21 rows of 1x1 rib worked on smaller needles to create a fitted, elastic edge
• Stocking stitch - The primary fabric structure, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic knit appearance
• Increases and decreases - Strategic shaping is incorporated, including increases worked at alternating row ends to expand the garment width and decreases (p2tog - purl two together) to refine the fit
• Cable work - The Cable Top variant includes cable stitches (C4B - cable 4 back), which involve slipping stitches onto a cable needle, holding them at the back of the work, then knitting stitches before returning to the held stitches
• Make one stitch - M1p (make one purlwise) increases are used by picking up the horizontal strand between stitches

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes essential knitting stitches appropriate for intermediate crafters:

• Knit (k) - The fundamental stitch forming the right side of stocking stitch fabric
• Purl (p) - Creates the wrong-side rows of stocking stitch and forms the knit columns in 1x1 rib
• 1x1 Rib - An alternating knit and purl stitch pattern (k1, p1) that creates vertical columns and provides elasticity at cuffs and edges
• Purl two together (p2tog) - A left-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Cable 4 back (C4B) - A cable cross stitch specific to the Cable Top design
• Make one purlwise (M1p) - An invisible increase method for adding stitches

Materials Required

The pattern specifies yarn requirements and needle sizes for successful completion:

• Yarn - Stylecraft yarn in aran weight (medium weight), with specific colorways: Canyon 3794 for the Stocking Stitch Top and Pampas 3791 for the Cable Top. Yardage requirements range from 4 to 6 balls of 100g, varying by size selected
• Needles - Two pairs of knitting needles: 3¾mm (UK size 9, US size 5) for ribbed sections and 4½mm (UK size 7, US size 7) for main fabric
• Additional tools - A cable needle is required for the Cable Top variant to hold stitches during cable crossings. Stitch holders are needed to secure stitches during construction

Pattern Construction

The garment is worked in pieces with back and front panels worked identically. Construction begins with casting on stitches using the thumb method, followed by ribbed edging for elasticity. The pattern then transitions to larger needles for the main body, incorporating strategic increases to shape the garment width. The design includes shaping at alternating row intervals to create a fitted