At the Seaside

At the Seaside Knit Slipover by Deb Hoss

What is Being Made

At the Seaside is a delicate, shapely knit slipover designed by Deb Hoss, perfect for warm weather wearing. This top-down shell garment features a refined silhouette and is available in seven sizes ranging from 31¼ inches to 55 inches bust measurement, offering options for a wide range of fit preferences. The piece is designed to be worn with minimal ease, creating a close, flattering fit against the body.

Construction Method

This slipover is constructed using a top-down knitting approach with no seaming required, making it an efficient and seamless garment to complete. The top-down method allows knitters to try on the piece as they work and adjust the fit before binding off. The construction begins at the neckline and progresses downward to the hem, eliminating the need for finishing seams that would otherwise require blocking and grafting.

Stitch Techniques and Texture

The primary texture of At the Seaside is created using Mock English Rib, a simple knit and purl repeat pattern that creates visual interest and subtle texture throughout the garment. This stitch pattern is complemented by 1x1 ribbing positioned at the sides and edges of the piece, providing structure and definition to the silhouette. The neckline trim is worked wider than standard trims and features a complementary color, adding visual pizzazz and drawing attention to the neckline area.

Advanced Knitting Skills Required

This intermediate-level project requires knitters to be proficient in several techniques:

• Cast-on methods: Long-tail cast-on and cable cast-on for secure foundation edges
• Decreases: Slip, slip, knit (ssk), knit two together (k2tog), purl two together (p2tog), and purl two together through the back loop (p2tog tbl) for shaping and stitch manipulation
• Increases: Make one right (m1R) and make one left (m1L) for gradual shaping
• Short row shaping: Advanced technique for creating three-dimensional shaping and contoured fit
• Trim finishing: Picking up stitches along edges for neckline and hem trims
• Circular knitting: Working in the round using circular needles or double-pointed needles
• Blocking: Finishing technique to set stitches and achieve final measurements

Yarn and Materials

This slipover is worked in fingering weight wool, a fine yarn that creates delicate drape and is ideal for warm weather garments. The fingering weight classification allows for intricate stitch definition while maintaining breathability and comfort. The pattern specifies the use of circular needles for top-down construction and likely requires additional needles for trim work. The neckline trim is worked in a complementary color yarn, adding a design element that contrasts with the main body of the garment.

Project Summary

At the Seaside is described as a quick knit and fun project, making it an ideal choice for knitters seeking a summer-ready garment that combines intermediate techniques with satisfying results. The combination of Mock English Rib texture, strategic ribbed edging, and a contrasting neckline trim creates a polished, professional-looking finish. This downloadable PDF pattern by independent designer Deb Hoss provides complete instructions for creating a shapely, seamless slipover suitable for warm weather wear.