Bridget Top in MODE at Rowan Cotton DK

Bridget Top Knitting Pattern by Quail Studio in MODE at Rowan Cotton DK

The Bridget Top is a beautifully crafted knitted top designed by Quail Studio and worked in MODE at Rowan Cotton DK yarn. This intermediate-level knitting pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and offers an impressive size range to suit a wide variety of body types, making it a versatile addition to any knitter's project queue.

What Is Being Made

The Bridget Top is a fitted or semi-fitted knitted top designed to be worn as a standalone garment. It is constructed with a defined back section and shaped neckline, with the pattern referencing both back neck shaping and the use of stitch holders to hold live stitches during construction. The garment is photographed in Macaroon 011, a shade from the MODE at Rowan Cotton DK range, giving it a fresh, summery aesthetic well suited to the lightweight cotton yarn used.

Size Range and Fit

The Bridget Top is available in nine sizes, designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 in) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 in). The actual chest measurement of the finished garment spans from 100 cm (39¼ in) to 180 cm (70¾ in), indicating a degree of positive ease built into the design. This generous size range makes the pattern accessible to a broad range of knitters and body shapes.

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting using a standard pair of needles for the main body sections
• Circular knitting using a circular needle, likely for finishing details such as neckbands or edgings
• Neckline shaping, including back neck shaping worked by placing stitches onto stitch holders and rejoining yarn to work each side separately
• Stitch holder management to hold live stitches during neck and shoulder shaping
• Working right side (RS) and wrong side (WS) rows in a defined stitch pattern
• Reversing shapings to mirror the left and right sides of the neckline symmetrically

Stitches Used

The Bridget Top features a textured stitch pattern worked across the body. The pattern rows are as follows:

• Row 1 (RS): K1, *P1, K1, repeat from * to end — a classic moss stitch or seed stitch setup row
• Row 2 (WS): P1, *K1, P1, repeat from * to end — continuing the alternating knit and purl sequence

This moss stitch (also known as seed stitch) creates a beautifully textured, non-curling fabric that lies flat and has a subtle, tactile surface. It is an excellent choice for cotton yarn, as the stitch definition is enhanced by the smooth, inelastic nature of cotton fibres. Moss stitch is worked by alternating knit and purl stitches across every row, with the stitches offset so that knits sit above purls and vice versa, producing a dense, even texture.

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: MODE at Rowan Cotton DK, a DK weight yarn sold in 50g balls
• Yarn quantity: Ranges from 9 balls (smallest sizes) up to 16 balls (largest size), depending on the size being knitted
• Photographed colourway: Macaroon 011
• Needles: 3.25mm (UK no. 10 / US 3) straight needles for the main body, plus a 3.25mm circular needle no longer than 60cm for finishing
• Extras: Stitch holders are required for managing live stitches during neckline shaping

Tension

The recommended tension for the Bridget Top