Lilli

Lilli Knit Top by Katya Frankel

What Is Being Made

Lilli is a knitted cotton top designed as an intermediate-level project by independent designer Katya Frankel. This garment is constructed in the round from the bottom up, creating a seamless fitted silhouette. The finished piece features simple side shaping combined with an intricate cable detail across the chest, making it a versatile wardrobe staple that balances ease of construction with visual interest.

Construction Technique

Lilli is knit in the round using circular needles, a technique that eliminates the need for seaming and creates a continuous fabric from the cast-on edge at the bottom through to the armholes. The straps are knitted separately and attached after the main body is complete, allowing for flexible customization and precise fit. This bottom-up, in-the-round construction method is ideal for achieving even tension and a professional finish on a fitted garment.

Stitches and Cable Details

The primary stitch used throughout Lilli is Stocking stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. The defining design feature is an intricate cable detail across the chest, which requires the use of a cable needle to create twisted stitch patterns. The pattern incorporates simple increases and decreases for shaping along the sides, making it accessible for intermediate knitters who have mastered basic techniques but are ready to explore cable work.

Materials and Specifications

Lilli is shown knitted in Denim by Rowan, a 100% cotton yarn. The pattern requires 3 to 4 balls depending on size, with each ball containing 102 yards (93 meters). Total yardage needed ranges from approximately 250 to 375 yards (230 to 345 meters) across the six available sizes. The recommended needle size is 3.75mm (US 5) circular needles, though any size that achieves the specified gauge is suitable.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is designed to knit at a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stocking stitch. This gauge measurement is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. Lilli is available in six sizes, fitting chest circumferences from 20 inches (51 centimeters) to 30 inches (76 centimeters), accommodating a range of body measurements.

Additional Notions and Tools

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires a stitch holder or waste yarn for securing stitches during construction, two stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, a cable needle for executing the cable detail, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and any necessary seaming during finishing.

Difficulty Level

Lilli is rated as an intermediate project, making it suitable for knitters who have progressed beyond basic stockinette and garter stitch projects. The pattern requires competency with simple increases and decreases for side shaping, as well as comfort with cable techniques. The finishing process is straightforward, involving strap attachment and basic seaming, keeping the overall project manageable for knitters building their skills.