Kousa Top in Berroco Meraki - Downloadable PDF

Kousa Top in Berroco Meraki – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Kousa Top is a stylish, relaxed-fit pullover top designed by Åsa Buchta and published by Berroco. Worked in the brand's own Berroco Meraki 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. With its clean construction and thoughtful shaping, the Kousa Top is an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore more structured garment construction.

Sizing and Fit

The Kousa Top is offered in a generous range of sizes, with finished bust measurements spanning from 36 inches up to 72¼ inches (approximately 91.5 cm to 183.5 cm). The pattern recommends 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) of positive ease, giving the finished garment a comfortable, slightly relaxed silhouette rather than a close-fitting shape. The sample shown in the pattern photography is knitted in size 44" / 112 cm.

Finished back length ranges from approximately 19 to 21½ inches (48.5 to 54.5 cm) depending on size, making this a cropped-to-hip-length top suitable for layering or wearing on its own.

Materials – Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn

The pattern calls for Berroco Meraki, a DK weight yarn sold in 50-gram balls. The colorway used in the sample is #6041 Delight. Depending on the size being knitted, the pattern requires between 4 and 10 balls, making it a relatively efficient use of yarn for a garment project. Berroco Meraki is a thoughtfully crafted yarn, and its DK weight provides excellent stitch definition — ideal for showing off the clean lines and structure of this top.

Needles

• 32-inch / 80 cm circular needles in both size 3 / 3.25 mm (smaller) and size 5 / 3.75 mm (larger, for gauge)
• 16-inch / 40 cm circular needle in size 3 / 3.25 mm for smaller circumference sections such as neckline finishing

Additional Notions

• 1 stitch marker for tracking round beginnings or key construction points
• Waste yarn for holding live stitches during construction

Gauge

The required gauge is 22 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch, measured on the larger needles after blocking. As with all garment patterns, checking gauge carefully before casting on is strongly recommended to ensure accurate finished measurements. The pattern specifically notes that gauge is measured after blocking, so knitters should wet-block their gauge swatch before measuring.

Construction Method

The Kousa Top uses an interesting and well-organized construction approach that combines flat and circular knitting. Understanding the construction sequence is helpful for intermediate knitters approaching this pattern:

• The Front Hem and Back Hem are worked separately and flat (back and forth in rows) to begin the project.
• Once both hems are complete, the pieces are joined together to work the body in the round on the longer circular needle, which is a common and efficient technique for seamless garment construction.
• At the underarms, stitches are again separated for the Back and Front sections, and each is worked independently to shape the upper body and complete the top.
• Stitches for the back are placed on waste yarn while the front is worked, and vice versa — a clean method that avoids the need for seaming at the sides.

This hybrid construction — beginning flat, transitioning to in-the-round, then separating again — is a hallmark of modern seamless garment design and gives the Kousa Top a polished, professional finish with minimal seaming required.