Saturday Sweets

Saturday Sweets Knitted Peplum Top

Project Overview

Saturday Sweets is a knitted peplum top designed by Karen Fletcher as an intermediate-level knitting project. This garment is ideal for knitters seeking a straightforward pattern that allows for easy interruption and resumption during the crafting process. The design features a button-up back closure and a playful peplum construction that creates excellent twirl action, making it a charming and functional piece.

Construction Technique

This top is knitted flat rather than in the round, which simplifies the construction process and makes it accessible for intermediate knitters. The flat knitting method allows for straightforward shaping and the integration of the button-up back feature. The peplum silhouette is achieved through strategic increases and shaping techniques that create the characteristic flared hem.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary fabric structure, created by alternating knit and purl rows
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Increases (Inc): Multiple increase methods employed for peplum shaping
• Left Lifted Increase (LLI): A technique where the stitch below the just-worked stitch is lifted with the left needle and knitted, creating an invisible increase
• Right Lifted Increase (RLI): A mirror technique using the right needle to lift the stitch below the next stitch and knit it
• Yarn Over (YO): Used for decorative elements or buttonholes
• Slip Stitch (Sl): Used for edge finishing and stitch manipulation
• Pick Up (PU): Technique for adding stitches along finished edges, particularly for straps and neckline finishing

Yarn and Materials

The Saturday Sweets pattern calls for Cascade's Sarasota Solids yarn, a practical blend of 60% cotton and 40% acrylic. This fiber composition provides breathability and durability, making it suitable for a garment intended for active wear. The project requires 314 yards (287.5 meters) per 100-gram ball. The pattern uses two colors: 217 Baby Pink as the main color (MC) and 201 Baby Lime as the contrast color (CC), allowing for creative colorwork or a two-tone design.

Gauge and Needles

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. This gauge is achieved using 3.5 millimeter needles. The pattern recommends using circular needles in this size for the body and straps, providing flexibility in the knitting method and comfortable handling of the garment pieces.

Skill Level

Classified as an intermediate project, Saturday Sweets requires familiarity with basic knitting techniques including increases, decreases, and picking up stitches. The straightforward flat construction and simple stitch patterns make it an excellent choice for knitters looking to develop their skills without tackling complex colorwork or advanced shaping techniques.