Flutter Top

Flutter Top by Two of Wands

What is Being Made

The Flutter Top is a beginner-friendly knitted garment designed as a lightweight pullover top. This design features decorative ruffles that are knitted separately and sewn onto the finished pieces, creating a feminine flutter detail. The pattern is available in five sizes ranging from XS/S through XL/XXL, with finished bust measurements from 36 inches (91cm) to 52 inches (132cm) and lengths between 21 and 23 inches (53–58cm).

Construction and Techniques

The Flutter Top is worked flat from the bottom up, meaning the knitter constructs the garment in separate pieces rather than in the round. After completing the main body sections, the pieces are seamed together using a tapestry needle. The ruffles, which provide the signature flutter detail, are knitted as independent components and then sewn onto the finished top. This modular approach makes the pattern accessible for beginner knitters while still achieving a polished, detailed final product. The pattern uses two strands of yarn held together throughout construction, which adds weight and texture to the fabric.

Stitches Used

The Flutter Top employs fundamental knitting stitches suitable for beginner-level crafters:

• Stockinette Stitch – The primary stitch used throughout the garment, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic fabric
• Knit Stitch (K) – Basic stitch for building fabric on the right side
• Purl Stitch (P) – Used on wrong-side rows to create stockinette texture
• Knit Front and Back (KFB) – An increase stitch that creates two stitches from one, used for shaping the garment
• Slip Stitch (Sl) – Used for joining pieces and finishing edges

Materials and Gauge

The Flutter Top is designed to be knitted with Lion Brand Yarn Comfy Cotton Blend yarn in the colorway Cool Night (756-721). This yarn weight is classified as DK (double knit), a lightweight option ideal for breathable, drape-friendly garments. The pattern requires 3 to 5 skeins depending on the chosen size, with the smallest sizes (XS/S) using 3 skeins and larger sizes (XL/XXL) requiring up to 5 skeins.

Knitting needles specified are US Size 11 (8mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches (60cm) in length. Circular needles are used for working flat pieces and managing stitches efficiently. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a tapestry needle for seaming the pieces together and weaving in yarn ends.

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 10.5 stitches and 16 rows per 4 inches (10cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and garment fit.

Pattern Details

The Flutter Top pattern is written in standard US knitting terminology and was designed by Two of Wands, an independent pattern designer. The pattern includes a note that the top is shown in size XS/S. All instructions use conventional abbreviations such as CO (cast on), K (knit), P (purl), RS (right side), WS (wrong side), and Wyif (with yarn in front), making it straightforward for knitters familiar with standard pattern language to follow.