Mediterranean

Mediterranean Knit Top by Ruth Garcia-Alcantud

What Is Being Made

Mediterranean is an advanced knit top pattern designed by independent designer Ruth Garcia-Alcantud. This garment is a sophisticated wearable project that offers seven finished size options ranging from 32" to 56" bust circumference (81.50 cm to 142 cm), accommodating a wide range of body types. The pattern is intended to be worn with approximately 4" of positive ease around the bust, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Techniques and Construction Methods

This advanced-level knitting project employs several intermediate to advanced techniques that require prior knitting experience. The construction utilizes circular needles for seamless or in-the-round knitting, which is a hallmark of modern garment construction and allows for efficient stitch management across larger projects. The pattern incorporates decreasing techniques including K2tog (knit two stitches together) and K2togtbl (knit two stitches together through the back loop), as well as K3tog (knit three stitches together), which are essential for shaping and creating fitted elements within the garment.

The pattern includes the use of stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and construction sections, a critical tool for maintaining accuracy in complex designs. Additionally, a crochet hook (size G/6 / 4mm) is incorporated into the finishing process, suggesting that the garment may feature crochet-finished edges or details that complement the knit fabric. This mixed-craft approach adds textural interest and professional finishing touches to the final piece.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is Stockinette Stitch (St St), which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric that forms the foundation of this garment. Stockinette stitch consists of alternating rows of knit and purl stitches (or rounds of knit stitches when working in the round), producing the familiar V-pattern texture characteristic of traditional knit garments. This stitch choice provides an excellent canvas for showcasing the luxurious yarn fiber content and allows for clean shaping with the decrease techniques mentioned above.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Mediterranean top is designed to be knit with Anzula Mermaid yarn, a premium blend composed of 60% Sea Cell and 40% Silk. This fiber combination creates a garment with exceptional drape, breathability, and a subtle sheen characteristic of silk. The yarn provides 700 yards (640 meters) per 115-gram skein, and the pattern requires 2 to 3 skeins depending on the chosen size—smaller sizes (32", 36", and 40") require 2 skeins, while larger sizes (44" through 56") require 3 skeins. The sample shown in the pattern photography is worked in the Shade Cornflower, a blue colorway that highlights the yarn's luminous qualities.

Knitting is worked on US6 / 4mm circular needles, which are appropriately sized to achieve the correct gauge. The pattern specifies a blocked gauge of 18 stitches and 29 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is critical for this garment; the pattern notes emphasize that knitters must use a needle size that produces the correct gauge to ensure the finished garment measures accurately for the chosen size. This attention to gauge ensures proper fit and drape of the final piece.

Additional Notions and Finishing

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires standard finishing supplies: stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, and scissors for cutting yarn. The inclusion of a size G/6 / 4mm crochet hook indicates that finishing details—possibly edgings, button bands, or decorative elements—are worked with crochet techniques, adding a professional and refined final touch to this advanced knitting project.