Saltarello

Saltarello Sleeveless Top by Corrine Walcher

What is Being Made

Saltarello is a sleeveless knitted top designed for three season wear, offering versatility across spring, summer, and fall. This feminine garment features a fitted silhouette achieved through strategic ribbing that creates a snug, flattering line. The design showcases a repeated lace detail at the neckline, adding an elegant decorative element to the piece. Available in six sizes ranging from 32 inches to 52 inches chest circumference, with corresponding length adjustments from 13 to 15 inches from cast on to underarm, the pattern accommodates various body types and fit preferences.

Knitting Techniques Used

Saltarello employs circular knitting methodology, constructed in the round using a circular needle. This technique eliminates the need for seaming and creates seamless fabric, which is particularly advantageous for a fitted garment. The pattern incorporates ribbing techniques to achieve the snug, body-hugging silhouette characteristic of the design. Lace knitting is featured prominently at the neckline, requiring attention to yarn overs and decreases to create the repeated decorative motif. Knitters have the flexibility to use their preferred method for knitting small circumferences in the round, whether that involves circular needles, double-pointed needles, or other small-circumference techniques.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pattern utilizes ribbing stitches to create vertical lines that enhance the feminine, fitted aesthetic of the garment. Lace stitches form the repeated decorative detail at the neckline, introducing openwork elements that add visual interest and breathability. The gauge specification of 20 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches indicates a relatively open, drapey fabric that showcases the yarn's characteristics.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Dragonfly Fibers Dance Rustic Silk, composed of 100% silk noil, with 450 yards per 4 ounce skein. The pattern requires 2 skeins for sizes 32 through 48 inches, and 3 skeins for the 52-inch size. The sample was knit in the Mossy Bank colorway. This yarn choice provides a luxurious feel during the knitting process and delivers excellent drape when worn.
• Needles: US #6/4.00mm circular needle, 32 inches or longer for the body of the top, with larger sizes potentially benefiting from longer needles. Knitters should also have their preferred tools for small circumference knitting in the round available.
• Notions: Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and increases, waste yarn or stitch holders for managing stitches, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends upon completion.

Difficulty Level

Saltarello is classified as an intermediate knitting project, suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle circular knitting, ribbing, and lace techniques. The combination of these elements requires pattern attention and understanding of yarn overs and decreases, but the straightforward construction in the round makes it accessible to those progressing beyond beginner projects.

Yarn Weight Specifications

This pattern is designed to work with 3-ply and 4-ply yarn weights, offering flexibility in yarn selection while maintaining the intended gauge and drape of the finished garment.