Sun Glow

Sun Glow by Samantha Guerin

What is Being Made

Sun Glow is a knitted top designed by Samantha Guerin. This garment features a lace pattern and is available in multiple sizes, with finished bust circumferences ranging from 32 inches (81.3 cm) to 68 inches (172.7 cm), making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The design incorporates both a main color and a contrasting color to create visual interest through colorwork.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern requires several intermediate knitting techniques that make it suitable for knitters with some experience. The primary stitch used throughout the garment is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric when knit flat. The design also features basic lace work, which adds an elegant, openwork element to the top.

Additional techniques required include picking up stitches, which is essential for constructing different sections of the garment, mattress stitch for seamless joining of pieces, and the three needle bind off for finishing edges with strength and flexibility. These techniques combine to create a polished, professionally finished garment.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Sun Glow is designed to be worked in 3-ply and 4-ply weight yarn. The pattern calls for Shibui 'Koan' yarn, which is composed of 70% linen and 30% mulberry silk. This fiber blend creates a lightweight, breathable fabric ideal for a summer top. The main color (MC) in Bone requires 2 to 7 skeins depending on size, with yardage ranging from 454 to 1,640 yards. The contrasting color (CC) in Pollen requires 1 to 2 skeins, with yardage between 248 and 358 yards.

The pattern includes a specific note about working with linen and other plant-based fibers, recommending careful yarn joining techniques at the beginning of new balls to ensure seamless construction.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 26 stitches and 35 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, knit flat, after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The top is available in eight size options, with finished bust circumferences ranging from 32 inches to 68 inches.

Required Notions and Tools

Beyond yarn and needles, completing this project requires several additional supplies: removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, and waste yarn for the three needle bind off technique. These notions are standard in most knitting supplies and help ensure a professional finish.

Skill Level

Sun Glow is classified as a beginner level pattern, though it incorporates techniques such as lace work and various finishing methods that provide good learning opportunities for knitters developing their skills.