Sequin Border top

Sequin Border Top by Sian Brown

What is Being Made

The Sequin Border Top is a knitted garment designed to fit bust sizes ranging from 82 cm to 112 cm (32 to 44 inches). This beginner-friendly knitting pattern produces a finished top with a length of approximately 59 to 65 cm (23¼ to 25½ inches), depending on the size selected. The design features textured patterning combined with sequin embellishments, creating a decorative border detail on the finished garment.

Craft and Primary Technique

This pattern is designed for knitting, making it an accessible project for knitters with beginner-level skills. The construction method involves working flat pieces that are subsequently assembled, allowing new knitters to practice fundamental knitting techniques while creating a wearable finished piece.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

The Sequin Border Top employs several essential knitting stitches and techniques:

• Stockinette Stitch (st st) – Forms the primary fabric base, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth, V-textured knit fabric
• Garter Stitch – Used for edge bands and ribbing sections, created by knitting every row to produce a ridged, elastic texture
• Patterned Knit and Purl Combinations – The pattern incorporates rows that alternate between knit and purl stitches in specific sequences (as shown in rows 6 and 8 of the pattern instructions), creating textured visual interest and dimensional detail across the garment
• Sequin Integration – Sequins are incorporated into the knitted fabric during construction, adding sparkle and embellishment to the border areas

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Sequin Border Top is knitted using Rowan Cotton Cashmere DK yarn, a premium blend composed of 85% cotton and 15% cashmere. This yarn weight classification is DK (Double Knitting), which is a medium-weight yarn suitable for creating garments with good drape and structure. The pattern requires 6 to 9 balls of 50-gram skeins (depending on the size selected), with each ball providing 125 meters of yardage. The recommended color for this design is Tulip (227).

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for two different sizes of knitting needles to create varying fabric densities. A pair of 3.25mm knitting needles is used for ribbed edge sections and transition areas, while a pair of 4mm knitting needles is used for the main body fabric. This needle size variation allows the knitter to create neat, fitted edges while maintaining the appropriate gauge for the main garment sections. Sequins are required as additional embellishment materials.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern to fit properly. The specified tension is 20 stitches and 28 rows to measure 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches) over stockinette stitch using 4mm needles. Knitters should swatch before beginning the project to ensure their personal knitting tension matches this specification, as variations in tension will affect the finished garment dimensions.

Pattern Structure

The pattern is organized by garment sections, beginning with the back piece. Cast-on instructions are provided for seven different sizes, ranging from 92 stitches for the smallest size to 125 stitches for the largest size. The construction involves multiple sections worked in different stitch patterns, including plain stockinette stitch sections alternating with textured patterned sections that incorporate the knit and purl combinations creating the visual interest and sequin border details.