Valencia Top

Valencia Top by Juliana Lustenader

What is Being Made

The Valencia Top is a women's knitted garment designed by Juliana Lustenader. This top is constructed as a single piece knitted sideways, offering a modern construction method that allows for unique shaping and fit. The garment is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with bust measurements from 33 inches to 60 inches, making it accessible for a wide range of body types.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project incorporates several advanced techniques that add visual interest and structural sophistication to the finished garment. The construction method of knitting sideways from right to left creates a distinctive fabric flow and allows for strategic shaping throughout the piece.

• German Short Rows: This technique is employed to create three-dimensional shaping and contoured fit without requiring multiple seams, allowing the fabric to drape elegantly.
• Lace Work: Easy lace elements are incorporated into the design, adding texture and visual appeal to the finished top.
• Increases and Decreases: Strategic increases and decreases shape the garment and create the intended silhouette.
• Picking Up Stitches: This technique is used to add new sections or finish edges seamlessly.
• Seaming: Sections are joined together using traditional seaming methods to create a polished, professional finish.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Valencia Top primarily features Stockinette Stitch as the foundational stitch pattern, which creates a smooth, classic fabric base. The gauge for this stitch is 18 stitches by 24 rows over a 4-inch square. Easy lace patterns are integrated into the design to add textural variation and visual interest, requiring knitters to read charts as part of the construction process.

Yarn and Materials

The Valencia Top is designed to be knitted in Quince & Co. Kestrel yarn in the colorway Lotus. This yarn is a premium 100% linen fiber, with each skein containing 1.76 ounces and 76 yards of yardage. The total yardage required ranges from approximately 452 yards for the smallest size (XS) to 1,368 yards for the largest size (5XL).

The pattern specifies an aran weight yarn classification, and any heavy worsted weight yarn that matches the specified gauge of 18 stitches by 24 rows over 4 inches can be substituted. An important note for linen yarn users: the finished garment will naturally expand by approximately 10% due to the properties of linen fiber, and the top should be expected to grow slightly with wear and washing.

Construction requires US size #10 (6mm) circular needles in a 32-inch length, though the size may be adjusted as needed to achieve the correct gauge. Additional materials include six stitch markers, a darning needle for weaving in ends, and scrap yarn or stitch holders for managing stitches during construction.

Difficulty Level

The Valencia Top is rated as an intermediate knitting project, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to expand their skills. The combination of German short rows, lace reading, and sideways construction requires attention to detail and familiarity with more advanced shaping techniques, but the pattern provides clear guidance for successful completion.