May dance

May Dance Knitted Top by Katherine Vaughan

What is Being Made

May Dance is a women's knitted top designed by Katherine Vaughan, available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a fitted garment with finished bust measurements from 28.5 inches (XS) to 44.5 inches (XL). The design features shaping at the waist and hip, with finished waist measurements ranging from 27 to 41 inches and hip measurements from 33.5 to 47.5 inches, creating a tailored silhouette suitable for warm-weather wear.

Knitting Techniques Used

This top employs several intermediate knitting techniques to achieve its fitted shape and decorative details. The pattern incorporates cable work, requiring the use of a cable needle to create textured stitch patterns. Increases and decreases are used strategically throughout the garment for shaping, including M1L (make one left) and M1R (make one right) techniques, which involve lifting strands between needles and knitting through the back loop to create invisible increases. The construction uses circular needles for seamless knitting, with stitch markers placed at key points to track pattern repeats and shaping sections. The pattern also utilizes waste yarn or stitch holders for managing stitches during construction.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The primary stitch used throughout May Dance is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with visible V-shaped columns. The gauge is set at 24 stitches and 36 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch, which is critical for achieving the correct finished measurements. Cable stitches are incorporated as decorative and structural elements, adding visual interest and texture to the garment.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

May Dance is designed to be knitted with Baah La Jolla yarn, a 100% superwash merino wool that offers durability and easy care. The yarn is worked at 400 yards per 100 grams, providing excellent stitch definition and drape. Depending on size, the pattern requires 2 to 3 skeins of yarn, with the colorway shown in Tequila Lime. Knitting is worked on US 4 / 3.5mm circular needles, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional tools include a cable needle for cable work, waste yarn or stitch holders for managing stitches, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Pattern Overview

This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Katherine Vaughan provides complete instructions for creating a sophisticated warm-weather top. The intermediate difficulty level suggests that knitters should have experience with basic shaping techniques and cable work before beginning this project. The pattern's attention to precise gauge and multiple size options ensures a well-fitting garment across different body types.