Borago

Borago Knit Top by Maloraé Designs

What is Being Made

Borago is a downloadable knitting pattern for a fitted knit top designed by independent designer Maloraé Designs. This garment is available in eight sizes (0 through 7), making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The pattern includes finished bust measurements ranging from 75 cm (29.5 inches) to 135 cm (53 inches), with recommended positive ease of approximately 5 cm (2 inches) for comfortable wear. The top features a length of 40 cm (15.5 inches) from underarm to hem, creating a cropped or standard-length silhouette depending on the wearer's proportions.

Knitting Techniques Used

Borago employs several essential knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level knitters. The pattern utilizes the three-needle bind off method, a technique that joins two sets of live stitches together while simultaneously binding them off, creating a strong, seamless finish. This technique is particularly useful for garment construction and adds structural integrity to the finished piece. The pattern also incorporates standard shaping techniques including K2tog (knit two stitches together) and SSK (slip, slip, knit) decreases, which are used to shape the armholes and create the fitted silhouette. Stitch markers are essential tools used throughout the pattern to help track pattern repeats and shaping points.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The primary stitch used in Borago is stockinette stitch, a fundamental knit fabric created by alternating knit and purl rows. This classic stitch creates a smooth, refined appearance ideal for a wearable top. The ribbing sections, typically found at cuffs, neckline, and hem, are worked on smaller needles to create elasticity and help the garment maintain its shape. The gauge for this pattern is 21 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch when measured on 3.75 mm needles after blocking, making accurate gauge swatching essential for proper fit.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Borago is designed to be knit with sport weight yarn, a lightweight yarn category ideal for creating garments with drape and breathability. The pattern specifies a yarn with approximately 340 meters per 100 grams. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 525 meters (574 yards) for the smallest size to 945 meters (1,035 yards) for the largest size. The pattern specifically references Drops You 7 as the yarn used in the sample garment, though any sport weight yarn with similar yardage and gauge characteristics can be substituted.

Needles and Notions

This pattern requires two different needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and fabric characteristics. 3.75 mm (US size 5) needles are used for the body of the garment, where stockinette stitch is worked at the specified gauge. 2.75 mm (US size 2) needles are used for ribbing sections, which are worked on smaller needles to create the necessary elasticity and prevent the ribbed areas from stretching out during wear. Additional notions required include stitch markers for tracking pattern sections and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Difficulty Level

Borago is rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle garment construction with shaping. The intermediate classification reflects the inclusion of techniques such as the three-needle bind off, decreases for shaping, and the attention to gauge and fit required for successful completion of a fitted garment.