Magpie

Magpie Knit Top by Melissa Schaschwary

What Is Being Made

Magpie is a knitted top designed by Melissa Schaschwary as a downloadable PDF pattern. This garment is a fitted, raglan-construction top suitable for children, available in sizes ranging from 2T through 8, with chest measurements from 21 inches (53 cm) to 26.5 inches (67 cm). The pattern uses a top-down raglan construction method, which allows for easy customization and fitting adjustments during the knitting process.

Techniques Used

The Magpie pattern employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques:

• Raglan construction: The garment is worked top-down using raglan shaping, which creates diagonal lines from the neckline to the underarms. This technique involves strategic increases placed at raglan markers throughout the body and sleeves.
• Circular knitting: The pattern uses circular needles to work the garment in the round, which eliminates seaming and creates a seamless finished garment.
• Stitch markers: Five stitch markers are used to track raglan increases and maintain pattern alignment as you work.
• Backwards Loop cast-on: The pattern specifies using the Backwards Loop method for casting on stitches, particularly at the end of rows during construction.
• Tapestry needle finishing: A tapestry needle is used for weaving in ends and any necessary seaming.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure in Magpie is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric with a flat appearance. Stockinette stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows and purl rows when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round. This fundamental stitch provides an excellent canvas for displaying yarn color and texture.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: Magpie calls for sport to DK weight yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size: 2T requires 320 meters (365 yards); 4 requires 400 meters (366 yards); 6 requires 600 meters (550 yards); and 8 requires 800 meters (732 yards). Sport weight yarn is a lightweight option that creates a delicate drape, making it ideal for children's garments.

Needles: The pattern requires US 7/4.5mm circular knitting needles in both 16-inch and 24-inch lengths for the main fabric, along with optional 4 double-pointed needles (dpns) in the same size for working smaller circumferences. Ribbing and finishing details are worked on US 4/3.5mm needles, also available in 24-inch circular length with optional matching dpns. Needle size may be adjusted as needed to achieve the correct gauge.

Notions and Finishing: The pattern requires 5 stitch markers to track raglan shaping and pattern repeats, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and finishing seams.

Gauge and Fit

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) of stockinette stitch using US 7/4.5mm needles. Knitters are encouraged to check their gauge and adjust needle sizes as needed before beginning the project. The pattern includes a schematic to help verify measurements as you work through each section of the garment.