Tune Top Knitting Pattern

Tune in Rowan Summerlite 4ply Knitted Top

What is Being Made

The Tune in is a knitted top designed by Kim Hargreaves, available in nine sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) through to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a garment with an actual bust measurement spanning from 77 cm to 157 cm depending on the chosen size. The design features a classic fitted silhouette with shaped front and back pieces, including structured neckline shaping at both front and back.

Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs several key construction techniques appropriate for an intermediate skill level. The garment is worked primarily in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. The pattern incorporates neck shaping through strategic decreases worked at regular intervals—the back neck features decreases over 3 alternate rows, while the front neck uses decreases over 9 alternate rows to create a deeper, more contoured neckline. The pattern also includes shoulder shaping and uses stitch holders to manage stitches during construction, allowing the knitter to work different sections of the garment separately before joining them together. A two-color stripe sequence is integrated throughout, alternating between two yarn colors every two rows to create visual interest.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used in this garment is stockinette stitch (also called stocking stitch), which is worked over the main fabric. The pattern specifies a tension of 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm measured over stockinette stitch, ensuring proper garment sizing and fit. Decreases are worked knitwise at neck edges to shape the neckline, and the pattern uses knit and purl stitches as the foundational techniques for constructing the front and back panels.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This pattern is designed specifically for Rowan Summerlite 4ply yarn, a lightweight four-ply weight yarn ideal for creating breathable, refined garments. The project requires two coordinating colorways: Navy Ink (shade 429) and Ecru (shade 436), with yardage requirements varying by size—ranging from 2 balls of each color for the smallest sizes up to 4 balls of Navy Ink and 3 balls of Ecru for the largest sizes. Each ball weighs 50 grams.

Two needle sizes are required to achieve proper tension and fabric structure. The pattern calls for 2.25mm (US size 1) needles and 3mm (US size 2/3) needles, with the larger 3mm needles used for the main fabric where tension is measured. Stitch holders are also needed to temporarily hold stitches during the construction of neck and shoulder shaping.

Stripe Sequence Detail

The garment features a repeating four-row stripe pattern that runs throughout the piece. Rows 1 and 2 are worked in Yarn B (Ecru), while Rows 3 and 4 are worked in Yarn A (Navy Ink). This four-row sequence repeats continuously, creating a balanced, alternating color effect that adds visual dimension to the finished top.