Imperialis Top in Berroco Iris - Downloadable PDF

Imperialis Top in Berroco Iris – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Imperialis Top is a knitted pullover top designed by Mel Kennelly and published by Berroco. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern is rated Intermediate in skill level and is worked in Berroco Iris, a worsted-weight yarn. The design is generously sized with a relaxed, comfortable silhouette, making it a versatile wardrobe staple that works beautifully across a wide range of body sizes.

What Is Being Made

The Imperialis Top is a seamless or minimally seamed knitted top with a relaxed, easygoing fit. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in size 4, with a finished bust measurement of 45¼" / 115 cm, worn with approximately 7" / 18 cm of positive ease. The pattern recommends 5–10" / 12.5–25.5 cm of positive ease, giving the finished garment a laid-back, drapey quality that suits a wide variety of body types and personal style preferences.

The top is offered in an impressive 11 sizes, labeled (1, 2, 3, 4) [5, 6, 7] {8, 9, 10, 11}, with finished bust measurements ranging from 34" / 86.5 cm up to 73½" / 186.5 cm. Finished lengths range from approximately 19½" to 22½" depending on size, making this a cropped-to-hip-length top depending on the wearer's proportions and chosen size.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Berroco Iris, a worsted-weight yarn sold in 100 g hanks. The colorway shown in the pattern sample is #11611 Buttercup, a warm, cheerful yellow tone. Depending on the size being knitted, the pattern requires between 3 and 6 hanks of Berroco Iris:

• Sizes 1, 2, 3: 3 hanks
• Size 4: 4 hanks
• Sizes 5, 6: 4 hanks
• Size 7: 5 hanks
• Sizes 8, 9, 10: 5 hanks
• Size 11: 6 hanks

Berroco Iris is a worsted-weight yarn well suited to garment knitting, offering good stitch definition and a pleasant drape that complements the relaxed aesthetic of the Imperialis Top. Berroco recommends using the yarn specified in the pattern to best achieve the intended gauge and finished measurements.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires circular knitting needles in two lengths:

• 16" / 40 cm circular needles, size US 6 / 4 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• 32" / 80 cm circular needles, size US 6 / 4 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge)

The use of two circular needle lengths is typical for garments knitted in the round, where the shorter needle handles smaller circumferences such as necklines or sleeves, and the longer needle accommodates the larger body circumference. Additional notions required include 1 stitch marker, a tapestry needle for finishing, and waste yarn to hold stitches — the latter suggesting the pattern uses a technique such as placing stitches on hold for later joining or finishing, which is common in top-down or seamless construction methods.

Gauge

The recommended gauge for the Imperialis Top is 17 stitches and 30 rows/rounds = 4" / 10 cm. Achieving accurate gauge is especially important in garment knitting, as even small deviations can significantly affect the finished bust measurement and overall fit. Knitters are encouraged to swatch carefully and adjust needle size as needed before