Bone Top in Rowan Summerlite DK - RM006-00017-ENPFRP - Downloadable PDF

Bone Top in Rowan Summerlite DK

What is Being Made

The Bone Top is a knitted garment designed by Martin Storey, available in nine sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) through 152-157 cm (60-62 inches). The finished garment bust measurements span from 100 cm (39¼ inches) to 180 cm (70¾ inches), making this design adaptable for a wide range of body sizes. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a lightweight top suitable for warm weather wear.

Techniques Used

The Bone Top employs lace knitting as its primary decorative technique. The garment features multiple lace pattern repeats that create an openwork design throughout the fabric. The lace patterns are strategically placed and repeated across rows, with varying numbers of repeats depending on the size being knitted. Yarn overs and decreases form the foundation of the lace construction, creating the characteristic holes and texture that define this style of knitting.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in specific sequences to achieve the lace effect. Key stitches include:

• Knit stitch (K) – the basic foundation stitch used throughout the garment
• Purl stitch (P) – used on wrong-side rows to create texture and structure
• Yarn over (yo) – creates the decorative holes characteristic of lace knitting by increasing stitches
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) – a left-leaning decrease that pairs with yarn overs to form the lace pattern

The lace patterns are worked in multiple variations across different rows. For example, one pattern section features repeating sequences of yarn overs and decreases spaced between knit stitches, with the spacing and frequency varying by row to create visual interest and the characteristic bone-like motif. Some rows consist entirely of knit stitches, while others alternate between purl stitches and the lace pattern rows, allowing the openwork to develop dimensionally.

Materials

The Bone Top is designed to be knitted using Rowan Summerlite DK yarn, a lightweight double-knit weight yarn supplied in 50-gram balls. The yardage requirements vary by size, with the long version requiring between 6 to 8 balls depending on the finished size selected. DK weight yarn is ideal for creating delicate lace fabrics with good stitch definition. Knitting needles appropriate for DK weight yarn are required to achieve the correct gauge and fabric drape for this garment.