ELISABETTA, silk top/undershirt

ELISABETTA Silk Top/Undershirt

What is Being Made

The ELISABETTA is a refined silk top or undershirt designed by domoras.com, crafted using the knitting technique. This garment is worked in the round from the bottom up until the armholes, creating a seamless construction that provides a smooth, comfortable fit against the skin. The design features a patterned section around the body positioned beneath the armholes, worked from a provided chart. The piece includes optional waist shaping for a more fitted silhouette, and the finished length can be customized according to individual preference.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its elegant finish. The garment is constructed in the round, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless tube from the lower body through the armhole depth. Rolled edges are used as welts to finish the neckline and armholes, providing a refined, self-finished edge that is characteristic of quality knitwear. The pattern incorporates chart-based colorwork or texture work positioned strategically around the body beneath the armholes, adding visual interest to the piece. Optional waist shaping is included for those seeking a more contoured fit, though this step can be omitted for a straighter silhouette. Length adjustment must be completed before the waist shaping begins, allowing knitters to customize the overall proportions of the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The foundation of the ELISABETTA is worked in stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), the most fundamental and versatile knit stitch pattern. This smooth, flat stitch creates the classic V-pattern texture that is ideal for both solid-colored and patterned knitwear. The tension or gauge for this project is measured in stocking stitch at 26 stitches and 38 rows over 10 x 10 centimeters (4 x 4 inches) when worked on 3 mm needles and after the finished piece has been washed. The pattern incorporates a charted design worked into the body section, which may include colorwork, textured stitches, or other patterning techniques as indicated in the provided chart.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The ELISABETTA requires 50 grams of yarn providing 240 meters (260 yards) of fiber. The pattern accommodates multiple yarn weight options within the 3-ply and 4-ply weight range, offering flexibility for different fiber choices and desired drape.

Silk Options: Hand Maiden Sea Silk is specifically recommended as a premium silk alternative, offering the luxurious feel and fluid drape characteristic of silk fibers.

Cotton Options: For those preferring cotton construction, several 4-ply cotton yarns are suitable, including Schachenmayr Catania Fine, Sirdar Cotton 4 Ply, Wendy Supreme Cotton 4 Ply, and King Cole Bamboo Cotton 4 Ply. Cotton and linen fibers are noted to expand with wear and washing, making fiber choice an important consideration for final garment fit.

Needles Required: The pattern calls for 2½ mm and 3 mm circular needles or double-pointed needles. The 2½ mm needles are typically used for ribbed edges or cuffs, while the 3 mm needles accommodate the main body stitches. Circular needles allow for seamless in-the-round construction, while double-pointed needles provide an alternative for those preferring that method. Gauge adjustments can be made by selecting finer needles if the tension is too loose, or larger needles if the tension is too firm.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle in-the-round construction, chart reading, and garment shaping techniques.