Damara

Damara Sleeveless Top by Katya Frankel

What is Being Made

Damara is a seamless sleeveless knitted top designed by Katya Frankel. This contemporary garment is worked primarily in the round from the bottom up, offering a modern construction method that minimizes seaming. The top features a fitted silhouette with finished measurements ranging from 31 inches to 52¾ inches in chest circumference across seven size options, making it suitable for a wide range of body types.

Construction Techniques

The Damara top employs a sophisticated two-stage knitting approach. The body is initially worked seamlessly in the round from the cast-on edge up to the armholes, creating a continuous tube with no side seams. Once the armholes are reached, the knitting transitions to working flat, where the front and back pieces are worked separately to accommodate armhole and shoulder shaping. This hybrid technique combines the efficiency of circular knitting with the precision control of flat knitting for tailored garment shaping. After the neckline and shoulder shaping are complete, a collar is added as a final finishing element.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Damara top incorporates two primary stitch patterns. The main fabric is worked in Stockinette stitch, a fundamental knitting pattern that creates the smooth, classic V-shaped texture characteristic of many fitted knitwear pieces. Additionally, the design features a Chequered stitch pattern, which adds visual interest and texture variation to the garment. Both stitch patterns are worked to the same gauge, allowing them to integrate seamlessly throughout the design.

Yarn and Materials

The Damara top is designed for DK weight yarn, specifically showcased in Sublime Egyptian cotton (100% cotton). The pattern calls for approximately 690 to 1,160 yards of DK weight yarn depending on size, requiring between 6 and 11 balls of the featured yarn. Knitters have the flexibility to substitute any DK weight yarn with comparable yardage and fiber content. Construction requires 4 mm (US 6) circular needles in a 30 to 40-inch length to accommodate the seamless in-the-round construction method.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in both Stockinette stitch and Chequered stitch pattern. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, and knitters are advised to adjust needle size if necessary. Seven finished size options are provided, ranging from extra-small through extra-large, with chest circumferences from 78.5 cm to 134 cm.

Skill Level and Techniques Required

The Damara top is rated as Intermediate difficulty. Knitters should be comfortable with the following techniques: knitting in the round using circular needles, transitioning between circular and flat knitting, executing knit and purl stitches, performing decreases and increases for shaping, and finishing techniques including collar attachment. This pattern is well-suited for knitters who have completed several basic projects and are ready to develop their skills in garment construction and shaping.