Lady Slipper

Lady Slipper Knit Top by Fiona Alice

What is Being Made

Lady Slipper is a delicate, cropped knit top designed by Fiona Alice and inspired by the graceful lines of Lady Slipper flowers. This wrap-style garment features a sophisticated construction with a lace-patterned hem accented by a hand-dyed silk ribbon threaded through for a charming front tie closure. The cropped length is intentionally designed to pair beautifully with wide pants or gathered skirts, making it a versatile layering piece for a refined wardrobe.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Lady Slipper employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques to achieve its elegant silhouette. The front and back panels are knit flat on straight needles before being seamed together at the shoulders. The garment features a lace-patterned hem that creates an airy, delicate visual effect. Two sets of ties are incorporated into the design: the front ties are created using the I-Cord technique, a tubular knitting method that produces a cord-like trim. These I-Cord ties are wrapped around the body and tied at the back. The back tie is knit as one long continuous piece of fabric that is then brought to the front of the wearer and tied in a knot or bow to close the side seams and complete the wrap-top construction.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern incorporates lace stitches throughout the hem, which are characteristic of delicate, intermediate knitting. The lace patterning creates an openwork design that is both visually striking and structurally sound. I-Cord stitching is used for the front tie elements, creating a finished, cord-like edge that contrasts with the main fabric.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Lady Slipper is designed for fingering weight yarn, which creates a refined drape and delicate fabric appropriate for the garment's elegant aesthetic. The pattern calls for approximately 722 yards (660 m) in the smallest size, increasing to 940 yards (860 m) and 1,224 yards (1,120 m) for larger sizes, requiring 2 to 3 skeins depending on size. The recommended yarn is Parade by amirisu, a luxury blend of 60% Wool, 20% Cotton, 10% Silk, and 10% Linen, which provides both warmth and breathability. Each skein of Parade contains 420 yards and weighs 100 grams. The sample shown in the pattern is knit in the Jaipur colorway. While specific needle sizes are referenced in the original pattern document, the intermediate difficulty level and fingering weight yarn suggest the use of appropriate needles for this weight category. A hand-dyed silk ribbon is threaded through the lace hem to create the decorative front tie element.