That 70s Yoke

That 70s Yoke Knitting Pattern

About This Design

That 70s Yoke is a knitted top pattern created by designer Gina Marquis. This intermediate-level knitting project features a distinctive yoke construction that evokes the aesthetic of 1970s knitwear. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle yoke shaping and colorwork techniques.

What You'll Create

This pattern produces a fitted knitted top with a prominent yoke detail. The garment is designed with positive ease recommendations of 2 to 4 inches, allowing for a comfortable, relaxed fit. Finished bust measurements range from 33 inches through 63 inches, accommodating a wide range of sizes across twelve distinct size options. Arm length from armpit to cuff measures either 1.5 inches or 2 inches depending on the size selected, providing proportional sleeve lengths for different body measurements.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate project employs yoke construction, a technique where shaping occurs at the shoulder and upper body area, creating a seamless or minimal-seam garment worked from the top down. The pattern utilizes circular needles worked in the round, which is a fundamental approach for yoke-based designs. The magic loop method is recommended for working with longer circular needles, a technique that allows knitters to work small circumferences on longer needles by creating a loop with the cable.

The design incorporates colorwork, requiring the use of three distinct yarn colors: a main color (MC), contrast color 1 (CC1), and contrast color 2 (CC2). This multi-color approach creates the visual interest characteristic of 70s-inspired knitwear design.

Materials Required

This pattern calls for DK weight yarn in three colors. Yardage requirements vary by size:

• Main Color (MC): 200 to 423 yards depending on size
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): 171 to 358 yards depending on size
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): 154 to 325 yards depending on size

The pattern notes that yardage can vary based on individual knitter gauge and tension. Needle requirements include US size 5 (3.75 mm) and US size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles, both in 40-inch to 60-inch lengths to accommodate the yoke construction and magic loop method. Additional supplies include stitch holders or spare yarn in similar weight for holding stitches, a tapestry or yarn needle for finishing and weaving in ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, scissors, and a ruler for measuring gauge and finished dimensions.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate pattern, That 70s Yoke is designed for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are comfortable working in the round on circular needles. The yoke shaping and colorwork elements require attention to pattern instructions and the ability to manage multiple yarn colors simultaneously, making this an ideal project for advancing knitting skills.