Yam Top Knitting Pattern

Yam Top by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Yam Top is a knitted garment designed to fit bust measurements of 81–127 cm (32–50 inches) across five size options. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a sophisticated top with a distinctive construction featuring a centre front and back hem opening, a folded shoulder detail, and decorative shoulder ties. The design offers a modern, elegant silhouette suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques that contribute to its intermediate difficulty level:

• Slip stitch edging: Working slip stitches at both ends of rows creates a neat, finished edge throughout the garment
• Stockinette stitch: The primary fabric construction method, providing a smooth, classic knitted surface
• Fold line construction: A deliberate knit row creates a fold line that serves both structural and design purposes, allowing sections to be folded and sewn to create the shoulder detail
• Seam joining with ridges: Holding sections with wrong sides together so seams form visible ridges on the right side, creating an intentional design feature
• I-cord technique: The shoulder ties are created using the i-cord method on double-pointed needles, where stitches are slipped to the opposite end and yarn is pulled tightly across the back to create a cord
• Shaping and decreasing: The pattern includes structured shaping to create the garment's form and fit

Stitches Used

The Yam Top utilizes a focused selection of fundamental stitches:

• Knit stitch (K): The foundation stitch used throughout the stockinette stitch fabric
• Slip stitch (sl 1): Employed at row edges with yarn positioned at the front of work to create a polished selvage edge
• Stockinette stitch (st st): Created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, forming the smooth primary fabric

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for Rowan Fine Lace yarn in quantities of 2–4 x 50-gram balls depending on size selected. The photographed sample is worked in Retro 923, demonstrating the yarn's suitability for this delicate lace-weight application.

Needles: One pair of 3mm (US 2/3, UK no. 11) needles forms the primary tool for constructing the main garment pieces. Additionally, two 3mm double-pointed needles are required for creating the shoulder ties using the i-cord technique.

Tension: The pattern specifies a tension of 29 stitches and 41 rows to 10 centimetres measured over stockinette stitch using 3mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for obtaining the intended garment dimensions and drape.

Construction Overview

The Yam Top is constructed in distinct sections. Two side pieces are cast on with a substantial stitch count (138–194 stitches depending on size) and worked in stockinette stitch with slip stitch edges. A deliberate knit row creates a fold line that will later define the shoulder shaping. The garment is completed with centre front and back seam joinings positioned between marked points that denote the hem opening and neck opening. The final 6 rows are folded along the fold line row and sewn to the wrong side, creating a refined shoulder finish. Two i-cord shoulder ties are then attached, adding both functional and decorative elements to the completed top.