Delmarva Top

Delmarva Top by Corrine Walcher

What is Being Made

The Delmarva Top is a summer-weight knitted garment designed by Corrine Walcher. This top features a decorative floral motif at the hem that is worked at a larger gauge to create feminine flow and movement. The garment is available in six sizes, ranging from 32 inches to 52 inches in chest circumference, with finished lengths between 13 and 15 inches from cast-on to underarm.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Delmarva Top is worked in the round from the hem to the underarms, a construction method that creates a seamless garment and eliminates the need for seaming. This technique is ideal for achieving a smooth, professional finish on fitted garments. The use of circular needles allows for even tension distribution and comfortable handling of stitches throughout the knitting process. The larger gauge used for the floral motif section at the bottom creates intentional texture variation and drape, demonstrating advanced design considerations for garment fit and movement.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. The pattern incorporates a floral motif at the hem, which is worked at a larger gauge than the body of the top, creating visual interest and enhanced flow in the lower portion of the garment.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Knitpicks Shine, a blend of 60% cotton and 40% modal fiber. This fiber composition is specifically chosen for summer wear, offering breathability and moisture-wicking properties ideal for beach and warm-weather wear. The yarn is worked at 75 yards per 50-gram skein, with yardage requirements ranging from 7 to 11 skeins depending on size. The sample garment shown in the pattern was knit in the colorway Clarity. The yarn weight falls into the aran and worsted categories.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires US #7/4.5mm circular needles, with a 32-inch length recommended for the body of the top (larger sizes may benefit from longer needles to accommodate additional stitches comfortably). Knitters should use their preferred method for knitting small circumferences in the round, which may include small circular needles, double-pointed needles, or the magic loop technique. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, waste yarn or stitch holders for holding stitches during construction, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 16 stitches and 20 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. Knitters should swatch before beginning the project and adjust needle size as needed to match the specified gauge.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills in circular knitting, gauge swatching, and basic shaping techniques. The seamless construction and motif work require comfort with working in the round and following stitch pattern instructions.