Palmer

Palmer by Alicia Plummer

What is Being Made

Palmer is a knitted top designed by Alicia Plummer, available in four size ranges: 28-30 inches (71-76 cm), 32-34 inches (81-86 cm), 36-38 inches (91-97 cm), and 40-42 inches (102-107 cm) at the bust, with corresponding hip measurements of 37, 39, 43, and 47 inches (94, 99, 109, and 119 cm). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a fitted garment suitable for various body types and proportions.

Construction Method and Techniques

Palmer is worked from the bottom up in the round, utilizing circular needles for the body section. The pattern then transitions to flat knitting for the top and straps before finishing with a professional shoulder seam using the Kitchener Stitch, a grafting technique that creates an invisible join. This construction method ensures a seamless body and allows for precise shaping as the garment progresses upward.

The Kitchener Stitch is a fundamental technique for advanced knitters, involving the use of a darning needle to weave live stitches together. This creates a smooth, elastic seam that blends seamlessly with the surrounding stockinette fabric, eliminating the need for traditional binding off and seaming at the shoulders.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout Palmer is stockinette stitch, a classic knit fabric created by alternating knit and purl rows (or knit rounds when working in the round). This smooth, flat stitch pattern showcases yarn color and texture beautifully and is the foundation of the garment's construction.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Palmer requires the following yarn quantities:

• Main Color (MC): 200 yards (183 meters) for size 28-30 inches; 230 yards (210 meters) for size 32-34 inches; 275 yards (251 meters) for size 36-38 inches; 325 yards (297 meters) for size 40-42 inches
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): 200 yards (183 meters) for size 28-30 inches; 230 yards (210 meters) for size 32-34 inches; 275 yards (251 meters) for size 36-38 inches; 325 yards (297 meters) for size 40-42 inches

The pattern incorporates a color-change element, instructing knitters to change yarn color each time 25% of the desired length has been completed. This creates a striped or color-blocked effect throughout the garment.

Tools and Notions

The following needles and notions are required to complete Palmer:

• US 6/4 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) for working in the round and transitioning between sections
• US 6/4 mm circular needles for the main body construction
• 2 place markers to mark the beginning of round and other shaping points
• Darning needle for weaving in ends and executing the Kitchener Stitch grafting technique

Gauge

The recommended gauge for Palmer is 24 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in stockinette stitch on US 6/4 mm needles and blocked to finished dimensions. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and fit of the garment.