Nightfall Top by Jennie Atkinson in Erika Knight Studio Linen - Downloadable PDF

Nightfall Top by Jennie Atkinson – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Nightfall Top by Jennie Atkinson is an elegant, wearable knitting pattern designed for intermediate knitters who want to create a sophisticated, everyday garment with refined details. Published as a downloadable PDF for personal use, this pattern is worked in Erika Knight Studio Linen yarn and produces a beautifully draped cap sleeve top suitable for a range of sizes from XS through to XL.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a cap sleeve top featuring a graceful, wearable silhouette with thoughtful shaping at the centre front and centre back. This shaping creates an elegant drape effect that elevates the piece beyond a simple pullover, giving it a fluid, fashion-forward quality. The top also features a fold-over collar for a polished neckline finish, and is further embellished with coordinating beads for a subtle decorative touch. The design is available in five sizes with the following finished chest measurements:

• XS: 94 cm / 37 in
• S: 104 cm / 41 in
• M: 115 cm / 45¼ in
• L: 124 cm / 49 in
• XL: 135 cm / 53 in

Side seam lengths range from 51 cm (20 in) for XS up to 59 cm (23¼ in) for XL, making this a versatile mid-length top that can be styled in a variety of ways.

Techniques Used

This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern, meaning it is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic garment construction and are ready to tackle more nuanced shaping and finishing techniques. Key techniques in this pattern include:

• Garment shaping at the centre front and centre back to achieve the signature drape effect
• Cap sleeve construction, which requires careful shaping of the sleeve head for a neat, fitted finish
• Fold-over collar finishing, adding a structured yet soft neckline detail
• Use of stitch holders to hold live stitches during construction
• Use of stitch markers to track shaping and pattern placement
• Bead embellishment, incorporating coordinating beads into the finished garment for decorative detail

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout the Nightfall Top is stocking stitch (also known as stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, flat fabric on the right side and a textured purl surface on the wrong side. Stocking stitch is a classic choice for garments made in linen-blend yarns, as it allows the natural drape and sheen of the fibre to show to its best advantage. The centre front and back shaping is worked within this stocking stitch ground to create the elegant drape that defines the design.

Materials – Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The pattern calls for Erika Knight Studio Linen, a luxurious DK weight yarn composed of 85% recycled linen and 15% premium linen. Each hank contains approximately 120 m / 131 yds and weighs 50 g / 1¾ oz. The colourway shown in the photographed sample is Neo. Yarn quantities required are:

• XS: 7 hanks
• S: 8 hanks
• M: 9 hanks
• L: 10 hanks
• XL: 11 hanks

The recommended needle size is 4 mm / US 6, though the pattern advises knitters to change needle size if necessary to achieve the correct tension. Additional notions include stitch holders