Charade

Charade Knitted Top by Pat Menchini

What is Being Made

Charade is a knitted top designed by Pat Menchini, available as a downloadable PDF pattern. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a fitted garment with bust measurements ranging from 76-81 cm (30-32 inches) up to 127-132 cm (50-52 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of sizes. The finished piece features a length to shoulder shaping of 56-64 cm (22-25¼ inches) depending on the size selected, creating a classic proportioned top suitable for various occasions.

Yarn and Materials Required

The Charade pattern calls for King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK yarn in the shade Sea Breeze 3331. This yarn weight classification is DK (double knitting), which provides a balanced fabric weight ideal for fitted garments. Yardage requirements range from 4 to 6 balls of 100g (230 metres/252 yards per ball), depending on the size being knitted. The bamboo cotton blend offers breathability and drape, making it an excellent choice for a wearable top.

Knitting needles required include three different sizes to accommodate the pattern's construction: 3.25 mm (UK 10, US 3), 3.75 mm (UK 9, US 5), and 4 mm (UK 8, US 6) needles. Additionally, 2 stitch holders are needed to manage stitches during construction.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Charade top is constructed using stocking stitch as the primary stitch pattern, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a knit side and purl side. This fundamental knitting stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows and purl rows, producing the traditional V-shaped texture characteristic of stockinette fabric.

The pattern employs a multi-needle approach, utilizing different needle sizes to create specific fabric characteristics at different stages of construction. The use of progressively larger needles (from 3.25 mm to 4 mm) is typical in knitting patterns to achieve proper tension and fabric drape. The inclusion of stitch holders indicates that the pattern involves techniques such as shoulder shaping, where stitches are held temporarily and later grafted or bound off to create finished shoulder seams.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is critical for this pattern's success. The instructions are based on a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch using 4 mm needles. Knitters are advised to test their tension before beginning the project, as variations in tension directly affect the finished garment's size and fit. If tension is too loose, a finer needle should be used; if too tight, a larger needle is recommended to adjust the fabric density.

Pattern Format and Difficulty Level

Charade is classified as an intermediate-level knitting project, indicating that it is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction with shaping elements. The downloadable PDF format provides convenient access to the complete pattern instructions, measurements, and yarn specifications for reference during knitting.