Kina

Kina Knit Top by neish design

Garment Overview

Kina is an intermediate-level knit top designed by neish design. This downloadable PDF knitting pattern creates a fitted garment available in eight sizes, ranging from 31.25 inches to 59 inches in finished chest circumference. The design accommodates negative ease of 1 to 2 inches, allowing for a close, body-hugging fit.

Construction Method

All pieces of the Kina top are worked flat on needles, meaning each component (front, back, and sleeves) is knitted in separate flat sections rather than in the round. Once all pieces are completed, they are seamed together to create the finished garment. This flat construction approach allows knitters to easily adjust length and fit during the knitting process by measuring against the schematic provided on page 3 of the pattern.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The primary stitch used throughout the Kina top is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric with a neat V-pattern on the right side. This fundamental knit stitch is ideal for showcasing yarn texture and drape in fitted garments.

Shaping is achieved through decreases, which are strategically worked from the wrong side (WS) of the fabric. This technique keeps decrease lines neat and less visible on the finished garment's right side, contributing to a polished appearance.

Yarn and Materials

The Kina top requires DK weight yarn, with yardage ranging from 1500 to 2725 meters (1650 to 2975 yards) depending on the size selected. The sample garment was knitted using Bare Naked Wools Stone Soup DK, a DK-weight yarn that demonstrates the pattern's intended look and drape.

Knitters should use needles appropriate for DK weight yarn and maintain a consistent gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stocking stitch when the fabric is washed and air dried. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

Sizing and Fit

• Eight sizes available: XS (31.25"), S (35.25"), M (39.25"), L (43.25"), XL (46.75"), 2XL (51"), 3XL (55"), and 4XL (59") in finished chest circumference
• Pattern includes metric measurements in centimeters for international knitters
• Negative ease of 1 to 2 inches creates a fitted silhouette
• All length and width references are calculated by gauge and refer to blocked measurements

Finishing and Blocking

The pattern recommends that pieces may need to be smoothed or flattened slightly while taking measurements during construction. After completion, the garment should be blocked to achieve accurate finished dimensions. Washing and air drying the gauge swatch before measuring ensures that the final garment will match the intended schematic measurements after blocking.