Lerici Top in Berroco Vernazza - Downloadable PDF

Lerici Top in Berroco Vernazzo

What is Being Made

The Lerici Top is a knitted garment designed by Alison Green, offering a versatile wardrobe piece suitable for various occasions. This top features a classic construction with multiple size options ranging from 34 inches to 70 inches in bust measurement, allowing for customization to fit different body types and style preferences. The finished length varies slightly across sizes, measuring between 24¼ and 26¾ inches, making it an ideal length for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Techniques and Construction

The Lerici Top employs intermediate-level knitting techniques that require some experience with garment construction. The pattern utilizes circular needles to create seamless sections, which is a hallmark of modern knitting design. The use of two different circular needle sizes—a 32-inch needle in size 8 and a 16-inch needle in size 7—indicates that the pattern incorporates techniques such as top-down construction or seamless yoke shaping. Stitch markers and a stitch holder are essential notions for managing stitches and maintaining pattern integrity throughout the project. The pattern recommends approximately 2 to 4 inches of positive ease, a standard measurement allowance that ensures comfortable fit and mobility when wearing the finished garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in the Lerici Top is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumped texture on the wrong side. Stockinette stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows and purl rows when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round. This foundational stitch provides an excellent canvas for showcasing yarn color and texture while maintaining a professional, polished appearance suitable for a versatile top.

Yarn and Materials

The Lerici Top is designed to be worked in Berroco Vernazzo, a worsted-weight yarn produced by Berroco, Inc. The pattern calls for between 6 and 14 balls of yarn depending on the selected size, with each ball weighing 50 grams. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted in colorway #10611 Bermeo. Worsted-weight yarn is a medium-weight option that knits at a moderate gauge, making it suitable for garments that require structure and drape without excessive bulk.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern specifies circular needles in two sizes: a 32-inch circular needle in size 8 (5 mm) and a 16-inch circular needle in size 7 (4.5 mm), or sizes necessary to obtain the required gauge. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 26 rows measured over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needles, with measurements taken after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for ensuring that the finished garment matches the intended finished measurements and fits as designed.

Difficulty Level

The Lerici Top is classified as an intermediate-level knitting project, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle more complex garment construction. Intermediate knitters should be comfortable reading pattern abbreviations, managing multiple stitches on circular needles, and understanding shaping techniques such as increases and decreases.