Crayon Stripes

Crayon Stripes Top by Therese Chynoweth

What is Being Made

The Crayon Stripes Top is a close-fitting, short-sleeve button-front cardigan designed by Therese Chynoweth. This downloadable knitting pattern is available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with finished bust measurements from 31¼ inches (79.5 cm) to 51¾ inches (131.5 cm). The garment features a sophisticated two-color design that creates visual interest through strategic color placement. Length varies by size from 19½ inches (49.5 cm) to 22½ inches (57 cm), making it a versatile piece suitable for various body types and proportions.

Skill Level and Difficulty

This pattern is rated as Intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex stitch work and color techniques. The instructions are clearly written for the smallest size (XS) with larger sizes provided in parentheses throughout, allowing knitters to easily scale the pattern to their desired finished measurements.

Techniques Used

The primary technique featured in this design is two-color linen stitch, a classic textured stitch that creates a fabric with excellent drape and visual depth. Linen stitch is achieved by alternating knit and slip stitches in a specific pattern, requiring knitters to work with two colors simultaneously to achieve the striped crayon-like effect. This technique produces a reversible, sturdy fabric that is ideal for garments requiring structure and visual interest. The button-front construction adds a tailored element to the design, requiring careful attention to buttonband placement and finishing.

Stitches Used

The Crayon Stripes Top utilizes linen stitch as its primary stitch pattern. This stitch combines knit stitches with slip stitches worked across two colors, creating the characteristic striped appearance. The pattern employs standard knitting abbreviations and techniques, with clear instructions for increasing and decreasing as needed for shaping the garment at the bust, waist, and armholes. Buttonband stitching and finishing techniques are incorporated to complete the button-front closure.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Light Worsted Weight yarn, classified as Medium #3 weight. The design is worked in two contrasting colors, with yardage requirements varying by size. For the smallest size (XS), Color A requires 320 yards (292 meters) and Color B requires 284 yards (260 meters). The largest size (2XL) requires 528 yards (483 meters) of Color A and 470 yards (430 meters) of Color B.

The sample shown in the pattern was knitted using Prism Yarns Tencel Tape, a 100% tencel yarn that offers a luxurious drape and subtle sheen. This yarn is distributed at 120 yards (110 meters) per 2-ounce (56.7 gram) hank. The colors used in the sample are Violetta (Color A) and Freesia (Color B), requiring 3 to 5 hanks of Color A and 3 to 4 hanks of Color B depending on the finished size.

Knitting needles required include US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches (80 cm) in length, which are used for working the body of the garment in the round or flat as preferred by the knitter. The circular needle length accommodates the width of the garment while allowing for comfortable manipulation of stitches throughout the knitting process.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern recommends selecting a size with a finished bust measurement 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) larger than your actual bust measurement to achieve the intended close-fitting silhouette. This ease allowance ensures proper drape and comfortable wear without excess fabric. The six available sizes provide options for a wide range of body types, with detailed finished measurements provided for both bust and length in both imperial and metric units.