Stevie

Stevie Short-Sleeved Top by Elizabeth Smith

What is Being Made

Stevie is a top-down raglan pullover designed for warm weather wear. This short-sleeved top features flattering A-line body shaping that tapers from the bust to create a feminine silhouette. The pullover construction begins at the neckline and works downward, making it an accessible project for knitters new to garment construction. The finished bust circumference ranges from 33 inches (84 cm) in Size 1 through 66 inches (168 cm) in Size 12, accommodating a wide range of body sizes with 1 to 3 inches (2 to 8 cm) of positive ease recommended for comfortable wear.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs top-down raglan construction, a technique that allows knitters to try on the garment as it develops and adjust the fit before completing the body. The raglan shaping creates diagonal lines from the underarm to the neckline, distributing increases evenly across the front, back, and sleeves for balanced proportions. The A-line body shaping is achieved through strategic decreases as the knitter works from the fitted bust area down to the wider hip section, creating a flattering drape. Eyelet stitch details add visual interest and texture throughout the design, providing an elegant finishing touch appropriate for a spring and summer garment.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used in Stevie is stockinette stitch (St st), worked in the round to create a smooth, classic fabric base. Eyelet stitches are incorporated as decorative elements, adding delicate openwork details to the design. The pattern references a complete list of techniques and abbreviations on page 6 of the PDF for detailed stitch definitions.

Materials

• Yarn Weight: Aran weight yarn, approximately 602 to 1560 yards depending on size selected
• Yarn Fiber Content: The pattern is shown knit in Remix by Berroco, a blend containing 30% Nylon and 27% Cotton, making it ideal for breathable, comfortable spring and summer wear
• Gauge: 16 stitches and 26 rounds measured over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch worked in the round
• Needles: Appropriate needles for aran weight yarn (specific needle size to be determined by individual yarn choice and gauge requirements)

Difficulty Level

Stevie is rated as a beginner-friendly pattern, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to garment construction. The straightforward top-down raglan method, combined with the use of basic stitches and clear shaping instructions, allows newer knitters to successfully complete a wearable garment while building confidence in their skills.