The Graces Top

The Graces Top by Corrine Walcher

What Is Being Made

The Graces Top is a bottom-up lightweight knitted layer designed for spring through fall wear. This top features leafy lace detailing and is available in six sizes ranging from 32 to 52 inches in chest circumference, with finished lengths between 13 and 15 inches from cast on to underarm. The Graces Top is designed as a matching piece to coordinate with The Graces Cardigan, making it ideal for creating coordinated knitwear sets.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is worked from the cast-on edge upward toward the shoulders. The design incorporates leafy lace patterning throughout, which requires working decreases and yarn overs to create the characteristic openwork design. The top is worked in the round using circular needles for the body and small circumference knitting methods for the sleeves, which allows for seamless construction and a polished finished garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which forms the foundation of the garment and provides a smooth, classic knit fabric. The leafy lace pattern is integrated into the design through strategic placement of yarn overs and decreases, creating the decorative openwork elements that define this top. Knitters should be prepared to work with both stockinette stitch and lace techniques to complete this project successfully.

Materials

• Yarn: Savvy Skeins Sophisticate Sock, a 100% Superwash Merino wool yarn with 438 yards per 100 grams. The pattern requires 2 skeins across all sizes. The sample shown was worked in the Chai colorway, though other colors are available from this yarn line.
• Needles: US #6/4.00mm circular needle measuring 32 inches or longer (larger sizes may benefit from a longer needle for comfortable working). Additionally, a set of US #6/4.00mm double-pointed needles or preferred small circumference knitting method is required for working the sleeves. Knitters may need to go up one or two needle sizes when knitting the sleeves to maintain consistent gauge in the round.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch when worked flat. Achieving correct gauge is essential, as gauge may differ when working in the round versus flat, and needle size adjustments may be necessary accordingly.