SPRAY

SPRAY Summer Top by Rita Taylor

What Is Being Made

SPRAY is a beginner-friendly summer top designed with a loose, relaxed fit. The garment features identical back and front panels, making it straightforward to construct. This downloadable knitting pattern is suitable for warm-weather wear and comes in six sizes ranging from 76-81 cm (30-32 ins) through to 127-132 cm (50-52 ins) bust measurements, with finished garment measurements from 94 cm (37 ins) to 146 cm (58 ins).

Knitting Techniques Used

The SPRAY top employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner-level crafters. The construction begins with ribbed edging worked in a K1 P1 (knit one, purl one) pattern to create an elastic, fitted trim. The main body utilizes a lace stitch pattern that alternates between right-side and wrong-side rows, introducing texture and visual interest while remaining accessible to newer knitters. The pattern incorporates yarn overs and decreases (pass 1 stitch over next 2 stitches) to create the lace effect. The designer notes that this is a very loose-fitting garment, recommending that knitters who prefer a closer fit should consider making a smaller size than their usual choice.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The lace pattern is worked over six rows and repeats throughout the garment body:

• Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches
• Row 2: Knit 4 stitches, then repeat *knit 3, pass 1st stitch over next 2 stitches, yarn over* to last 4 stitches, knit 4
• Row 3: Knit all stitches
• Row 4: Purl all stitches
• Row 5: As Row 2
• Row 6: Purl all stitches

The ribbed edging uses K1 P1 rib worked over 6 centimeters before transitioning to the lace pattern. Stitch holders are used to manage stitches during construction.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

This pattern calls for DK weight yarn with a bit of sparkle, requiring 2 to 4 balls of 100-gram weight depending on the size selected. Smaller sizes (76-81 cm and 86-91 cm) need 2 balls, medium sizes (97-102 cm and 107-112 cm) require 3 balls, and larger sizes (117-121 cm and 127-132 cm) need 4 balls.

Needles required include 3.25mm straight needles for the ribbed cuff and 4.00mm straight needles for the main lace pattern body. An optional 3.25mm crochet hook is listed, likely for finishing techniques. Additional notions include 2 stitch holders for managing active stitches.

The recommended tension is 16 stitches and 26 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the lace pattern using 4mm needles, ensuring proper garment fit and drape.