Hyssop

Hyssop Knit Top by BeckyinVT

What is Being Made

Hyssop is a top-down knit garment designed as a fitted, elegant knit top. This downloadable knitting pattern from Sugar Tree Designs offers seven size options ranging from 29.75 inches to 47.5 inches in bust circumference, accommodating a wide range of body measurements from approximately 75.5 cm to 120.5 cm. The design prioritizes fit and drape, making it suitable for a variety of occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs a top-down construction method, meaning knitting begins at the neckline and progresses downward toward the hem. This approach allows for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the garment as you work. The pattern uses circular needle knitting for the body, which enables seamless construction and eliminates the need for seaming. Sleeves are worked on straight needles, requiring basic sleeve shaping techniques. The design incorporates stockinette stitch as the primary fabric, creating a smooth, refined surface that showcases yarn characteristics.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The foundation of Hyssop is stockinette stitch, the classic knit stitch pattern that produces a flat, polished fabric ideal for displaying the lustrous qualities of specialty yarns. The pattern requires working with two different needle sizes to achieve distinct gauges: the smaller needles (US2/2.75 mm) produce a tighter gauge of 31 stitches and 41 rows per 4-inch square, while the larger needles (US4/3.5 mm) create a looser gauge of 21 stitches and 33 rows per 4-inch square. This dual-gauge approach allows the designer to create intentional fabric variation within the garment for enhanced fit and visual interest.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Hyssop requires light fingering weight yarn in quantities ranging from 876 yards for the smallest size to 1,718 yards for the largest size. The sample garment was knit using Kypria, a discontinued merino bamboo blend yarn offering excellent drape and subtle shine. For yarn substitution, the pattern recommends selecting light fingering weight blends that combine merino with silk or bamboo, such as Knit Picks Gloss or Pandora by The Woolen Rabbit. These fiber combinations provide the lustrous quality and fluid drape essential to the garment's elegant appearance.

The needle requirements include US2/2.75 mm circular needles for the body and US4/3.5 mm straight needles for sleeve construction, or alternative sizes as needed to achieve the specified gauges. Additional notions include 10 stitch markers (with one unique marker to denote the end of round), scrap yarn for holding sleeve stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in yarn ends.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, Hyssop is appropriate for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction. The top-down method and circular needle work are standard intermediate techniques, though knitters should be comfortable with gauge swatching, marker placement, and basic shaping to successfully complete this design.