Dahlia in Tahki Yarns - TIBSS19 - 2 - Downloadable PDF

Dahlia Knitted Top by Melissa LaBarre

What is Being Made

The Dahlia is a knitted top designed by Melissa LaBarre and featured in the Tahki Yarns collection. This intermediate-level garment is available in six sizes ranging from XSmall to 2X, with finished bust measurements from 30¼ inches (75.5 cm) to 48 inches (120 cm) and length measurements between 25½ and 28 inches (64–70 cm). The design offers a refined, fitted silhouette suitable for a range of body types.

Techniques Used

The Dahlia is constructed using seamed construction and is worked flat, meaning pieces are knitted on straight needles rather than in the round. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and clean finishing. The pattern incorporates strategic decreasing techniques to create a tailored fit, with decreases worked on right-side rows to shape the armholes and body. The use of separate balls of yarn for each side during certain sections enables independent shaping of left and right sides.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Dahlia is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a neat appearance on the right side and purl bumps on the wrong side. Stockinette Stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side when working flat. This foundational stitch provides an excellent canvas for the garment's silhouette and allows the yarn's color and texture to be the focal point.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Dahlia pattern calls for Tahki Yarns TANDEM, a versatile worsted-weight yarn composed of 28% cotton, 28% viscose, 28% nylon, and 16% acrylic. This fiber blend creates a fabric with excellent drape and breathability, making it ideal for a wearable top. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 107 yards (97 meters). The pattern requires 6 to 9 balls depending on size, with smaller sizes using 6 balls and the largest size requiring 9 balls.

Needles and Notions

• One size 8 (5 mm) circular needle measuring 29 inches (72.5 cm) in length, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge
• Four size 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needles for finishing details
• Waste yarn for holding stitches
• Stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping
• Yarn needle for seaming pieces together and weaving in ends

Gauge and Fit

Gauge is critical for this pattern: 18 stitches and 26 rows measured over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch. Achieving the correct gauge ensures the finished garment matches the intended measurements and drapes properly. Knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch, measure it carefully, and adjust needle size if necessary before beginning the project.

Construction Details

The armhole shaping is accomplished through repeated decreases on right-side rows, with the number of decrease repeats varying by size (15 to 26 times depending on the size selected). Once the armhole decreases are complete, the pattern continues in even Stockinette Stitch until the armholes reach the specified depth of 7½ to 10 inches (varying by size). This methodical approach creates a well-proportioned neckline and shoulder area.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate, the Dahlia is suitable for knitters with some experience. The pattern requires competency in reading shaping instructions, managing multiple decreases, and executing seaming techniques to join the flat-worked pieces into a finished garment.