Berya Top

Berya Top by Imke von Nathusius

What is Being Made

The Berya Top is an easy-to-wear summer knitting project designed by Imke von Nathusius. This garment is a lightweight, versatile top perfect for warm-weather wear, combining practical construction with engaging stitch techniques that make it enjoyable to knit.

Construction Method

The Berya Top is knitted in one piece from the top down, beginning at the neckline. This construction approach allows knitters to try on the garment as they work and easily adjust the length to their preference. The design incorporates strategic increases along the front and back panels as well as for the sleeve straps, creating a well-fitted silhouette. Once the sleeve strap stitches are placed on hold, new stitches are cast on for the underarm curve, and the front and back pieces are worked separately. This technique allows for precise shaping of the armhole curves using short rows, which creates a comfortable and flattering fit through the shoulder and arm area.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Berya Top employs a combination of complementary stitch patterns to create both visual interest and functional structure:

• Stockinette stitch forms the main body of the garment, providing a smooth, classic fabric base
• Garter stitch is used for the sleeves and centered front and back panels, adding textural contrast and subtle definition
• Broken rib creates a decorative hem that adds elasticity and visual interest at the garment's lower edge
• I-cord bind-off provides a polished, durable edge finish (with garter stitch rounds offered as an alternative finishing option)

The combination of stockinette and garter stitch creates a balanced design where the smooth main body contrasts beautifully with textured stitch panels, while the i-cord bind-off ensures a professional, long-lasting finish that resists curling.

Materials and Yarn Weight

The Berya Top is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, which is ideal for creating a lightweight, breathable summer garment. DK yarn allows for good stitch definition, making both the stockinette and garter stitch sections clearly visible. The pattern is available in eight different sizes, accommodating a range of body measurements and fit preferences. Knitters will need appropriate needles for DK weight yarn and a crochet hook for the i-cord bind-off finishing technique (or can use knitting needles if choosing the garter stitch bind-off alternative).

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Berya Top is suitable for knitters with some experience. The pattern requires competency with top-down construction, working increases, managing multiple stitch patterns simultaneously, and executing short-row shaping for the armholes. The i-cord bind-off adds a finishing technique that intermediate knitters will find both achievable and rewarding.