Runway

Runway Knitted Top by Stella Ackroyd

What is Being Made

Runway is a knitted top design created by independent designer Stella Ackroyd. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a fitted garment with a range of 13 different size options, accommodating bust circumferences from 98 cm (38½ inches) up to 162.5 cm (64 inches). The design incorporates 15 cm (6 inches) of positive ease for a comfortable, contemporary fit suitable for various body types and styling preferences.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Runway top is constructed using circular needles worked in the round, a technique that creates seamless garments with minimal finishing required. The pattern employs both larger and smaller needle sizes to create shaping and structure: 2.75 mm and 3.00 mm needles are used for the main body sections on 80 cm circular needles, while 2.50 mm and 3.00 mm needles on 40 cm circular needles are used for ribbed edgings and fitted areas such as necklines and cuffs. This multi-needle approach allows for precise gauge control and professional finishing details.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure for Runway is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, refined fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns. This classic knit stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round. Ribbed stitches are incorporated at strategic points for elasticity and shaping, using combinations of knit and purl stitches in alternating patterns. The pattern also includes standard shaping techniques such as increases and decreases to achieve the fitted silhouette.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Runway is designed to be knitted in Lithuanian Linen from Midwinter Yarns, a premium natural fiber yarn. The pattern calls for 2 to 3 skeins of 100 gm weight in the primary shade Silver Sage (A), with 1 to 2 additional skeins in the complementary shade Mouse (B), depending on the chosen size. The yarn weight is classified as 3-ply, a lightweight to medium-weight yarn that creates delicate, breathable fabric ideal for warm-weather garments and refined knitwear.

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern specifies a working gauge of 26 stitches by 32 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch on 3.00 mm (US 2.5) needles after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and fit. Blocking—the process of wet-finishing and shaping the completed knitted fabric—is integral to this design, helping to even out stitches and set the fabric dimensions accurately.

Difficulty Level

Runway is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The intermediate classification reflects the use of circular needle construction, multiple needle sizes, shaping through increases and decreases, and the precision required to achieve proper gauge and fit across 13 different size options.