Product Description
Inspired by the little yellow flowers of the wild strawberry plants that grow in my backyard, this top is flutters in the breeze and reminds me of the little yellow flowers blooming on warm, sunny days. These delicate little flowers don’t bear fruit, but they thrive even in horrible conditions, like the shady, acidic clay soil in my backyard. This really hit home with me as I injured my hand last year and was unable to design for most of 2018. Strawberry Blossoms is the first pattern I worked after my injury and the tenacity of those little flowers really resonated with me.
Recommended Ease: -3 to -1 inches -7.5 to -2.5cm at the bust. CoBaSi gives a VERY stretchy fabric at this gauge and I highly recommend negative ease across the bust. If you use a different yarn that gives you less-stretchy fabric you may want 0-2 inches 0-5cm of positive ease.
This pattern has been tech edited and test knit.
Strawberry Blossoms Knitted Top
Design Overview
Strawberry Blossoms is a knitted top designed by Monique Leonard for Windswept Knits. This intermediate-level knitting pattern draws inspiration from the delicate yellow flowers of wild strawberry plants, capturing their ability to flourish in challenging conditions. The design reflects the designer's personal connection to nature and the meditative qualities of knitting, translating botanical inspiration into a wearable garment with soft, flowing characteristics.
Garment Specifications
This top is available in five bust sizes ranging from 32 to 44 inches (82 to 112 cm), accommodating a wide range of body types. The pattern recommends negative ease of -3 to -1 inches (-7.5 to -2.5 cm) at the bust, creating a fitted silhouette that takes advantage of the yarn's natural stretch. This construction method ensures the garment drapes elegantly while maintaining shape through wear.
Knitting Techniques and Stitches
The pattern employs cable knitting techniques, incorporating a Cable Strap Pattern as a structural and decorative element. Cable stitches create dimensional texture and visual interest, while the strap construction adds both functional and aesthetic details to the top. These intermediate-level techniques require familiarity with cable crossing and pattern reading, making this project suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to advance their technical abilities.
Yarn and Gauge Requirements
Strawberry Blossoms is designed for 4-ply yarn weight, which produces a lightweight, breathable fabric ideal for tops and garments meant to drape softly against the body. The recommended gauge is 6.5 stitches and 10 rows per inch (2.5 cm) on the larger needle after washing and blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit and the intended fabric characteristics, particularly given the pattern's reliance on negative ease and stretch properties. The yarn specified in the original pattern (referenced as CoBaSi) produces a very stretchy fabric at this gauge, though alternative 4-ply yarns may be substituted if they provide similar elasticity and drape.
Pattern Format
This pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, providing convenient access for digital reference during the knitting process. The format allows crafters to view instructions on devices or print them for traditional pattern following.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | 4 Ply |
| Pages: | 0 |
| Designer: | Windswept Knits |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Notes: | Scrap yarn |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your experience.