Paseo

Paseo Knit Top by Ruth Garcia-Alcantud

What Is Being Made

Paseo is a knitted top designed by Ruth Garcia-Alcantud, available in 14 sizes ranging from 32 inches to 58 inches bust measurement (81.30 cm to 147.40 cm). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished garment with a fitted silhouette, shown on the size 34 inch bust with zero ease. The pattern is offered as a downloadable PDF format, making it accessible for knitters seeking a contemporary, wearable top design.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Paseo incorporates two primary stitch patterns worked throughout the garment: lace stitch and stockinette stitch (st st). The combination of these techniques creates visual interest and texture variation. The lace elements add an elegant, openwork quality to the design, while stockinette stitch provides structure and a smooth, classic knit fabric base. Both stitch patterns are measured at the same gauge after blocking, ensuring consistent fabric drape and garment proportions across the finished piece.

Construction involves circular knitting methodology, utilizing circular needles for the main body work, with double-pointed needles (dpns) reserved for smaller circumference sections. This approach streamlines the knitting process and minimizes seaming requirements. The pattern emphasizes the importance of achieving proper gauge before beginning, as correct needle sizing directly impacts the final garment measurements and fit across all 14 size options.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn: Lorna's Laces Solemate in the colorway Farwell. This yarn blend contains 55% superwash merino, 15% nylon, and 30% Outlast fiber. The nylon content provides durability and elasticity, while Outlast technology offers temperature-regulating properties. Yardage requirements range from 2 to 4 skeins depending on size selected, with each 100-gram skein providing 425 yards (389 meters) of 4-ply weight yarn.

Needles and Notions: The pattern calls for US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles as the primary tool, with double-pointed needles in the same size or smaller for detailed work. Essential notions include stitch markers, stitch holders, a tapestry needle for finishing, and scissors. The pattern specifically requires removable and washable markers, allowing for easy adjustment and repositioning throughout the knitting process.

Gauge and Blocking

The blocked gauge for Paseo is 24 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in both lace and stockinette stitch, measured on US 5 (3.75 mm needles). Blocking is essential to achieve accurate finished measurements, as the pattern specifications are based on blocked fabric dimensions. Knitters must swatch, block their gauge swatch, and adjust needle size accordingly to ensure the garment matches the intended finished bust measurements for their chosen size.