Lacy Box Top in Rowan Kidsilk Haze - ZM72-00037-DEP - Downloadable PDF

Lacy Box Top in Rowan Kidsilk Haze – Pattern Summary

About This Design

The Lacy Box Top is an elegant knitted top designed by Lisa Richardson and published as part of the Rowan collection. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern creates a relaxed, boxy-silhouette top featuring a beautiful central lace panel combined with smooth stockinette sections. The design is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it a rewarding project for knitters who are comfortable with lace techniques and shaping. The finished garment is photographed in Pearl 590, showcasing the delicate, halo-like quality of the yarn beautifully.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern is written to fit a range of bust measurements, making it accessible to a wide variety of knitters:

• S: 81–86 cm bust
• M: 91–97 cm bust
• L: 102–107 cm bust
• XL: 112–117 cm bust
• XXL: 122–127 cm bust

The boxy shape means the top has a relaxed, contemporary fit that works well across multiple body types. Shaping is worked through a series of increases and decreases at the sides and shoulders, with separate finishing of each shoulder and a shaped back neckline.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a lacy knitted box top — a lightweight, wearable garment ideal for warmer seasons or layering. The design features a central lace panel running down the front (and back), framed by stockinette stitch side sections. The combination of airy lace and smooth knitting gives the top a refined, feminine aesthetic. The boxy cut keeps it modern and versatile, suitable for casual or smart-casual occasions.

Techniques Used

This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern that draws on a variety of techniques. Knitters working on this project will use:

• Lace knitting – the central lace panel is worked over 76 stitches and measures approximately 29 cm wide, incorporating yarn overs and decreases to create the openwork motif
• Increases and decreases – side shaping is achieved through yarn overs (U), slip-slip-knit decreases (übzAbn), and knit-two-together decreases (2 M re zus-str), worked at regular row intervals
• Casting on mid-row – stitches are cast on at the beginning of rows to shape the underarm and sleeve extensions, a technique characteristic of boxy or drop-shoulder constructions
• Shoulder shaping and back neck shaping – worked by binding off stitches at the beginning of specific rows, with each side completed separately for a neat, professional finish
• Gauge/tension swatching – the pattern includes an important note that stitch counts vary within lace pattern repeats, so knitters are advised not to check gauge after rows 3 and 4 of the lace repeat; careful attention to tension is essential throughout
• Working in pattern – the first and last 15 stitches of every row are worked in the lace pattern to match the central panel, while remaining stitches are worked in stockinette

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (glatt rechts) – used for the side sections of the body, providing a smooth, classic background that contrasts with the lace panel
• Lace pattern stitch (Mst) – a repeating lace motif worked over 76 stitches centrally, using yarn overs and paired decreases to form the openwork design; this pattern is also carried into the border stitches at each side once the underarm stitches are cast on
• Knit and purl combinations – used in the transition rows to set up and maintain the lace borders correctly

Materials Required

The pattern calls for Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a luxurious lace-weight yarn