Tulip

Tulip Top by Marie Wallin

What is Being Made

Tulip is a fitted knit top designed by Marie Wallin, available in five sizes ranging from extra small to extra extra large to fit bust measurements from 81-127 cm (32-50 inches). This intermediate-level garment combines knitting and crochet techniques to create a sophisticated layering piece suitable for warm-weather wear.

Primary Craft and Techniques

Primary Craft: Knitting with integrated crochet elements. The garment begins with a crochet foundation for the lower section, then transitions to knitting for the main body and upper sections. This mixed-technique approach creates textural interest and allows for precise shaping.

Cable Knitting: The pattern features cable stitches as a decorative element. Two cable techniques are used: C6B (cable 6 back) and C6F (cable 6 front), both created by slipping stitches onto a cable needle and crossing them over subsequent stitches to form the characteristic twisted rope effect.

Crochet Foundation: The lower section is worked using a 2.50mm crochet hook to create a chain foundation and double crochet base, providing a stable edge and allowing for precise stitch counts across all five sizes.

Stitches Used

• Knit Stitches: Standard knit and purl stitches form the main fabric
• Cable Stitches: C6B and C6F cables create textured vertical lines
• Crochet Stitches: Chain (ch) and double crochet (dc) stitches for the foundation rows

Materials and Gauge

Yarn: Rowan Summerlite in 4-ply weight. Yardage requirements range from 7 to 12 balls of 50-gram hanks depending on size, with the smallest size (S) requiring 7 balls and the largest size (XXL) requiring 12 balls. The pattern was photographed in White 417.

Needles and Hooks: Two pairs of straight needles are required—2¼mm (US size 1) needles and 2¾mm (US size 2) needles—plus a 2.50mm (US B1/C2) crochet hook for the foundation work and any finishing details.

Tension: The pattern is worked to a tension of 37 stitches and 37 rows over 10 centimeters, measured over the stitch pattern using the 2¾mm (US 2) needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for proper fit across all five sizes.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with some experience. The combination of cable work, mixed knitting and crochet techniques, and the need to maintain consistent tension across a fitted garment requires intermediate-level skills and attention to detail.