Manon Top MODE Collection in Rowan Summerlite 4ply and Fine Lace PDF

Manon Top – MODE Collection by Lisa Richardson in Rowan Summerlite 4ply and Fine Lace

The Manon Top is a beautifully crafted knitted top designed by Lisa Richardson as part of the MODE Collection. This pattern is published by Rowan and is available as a downloadable PDF. It is rated as an intermediate skill level project, making it an ideal choice for knitters who are comfortable with shaping techniques and working with fine-weight yarns. The Manon Top is designed with a flattering, structured silhouette and is worked in a delicate stitch pattern that gives the finished garment an elegant, lightweight drape — perfect for warmer seasons.

Sizing and Fit

The Manon Top is available in a generous range of nine sizes, designed to fit chest measurements from 71–76 cm (28–30 in) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 in). The actual chest measurement of the finished garment ranges from approximately 83.5 cm (32¾ in) to 166.5 cm (65½ in), offering positive ease across the size range. This wide range of sizing makes the pattern inclusive and accessible to a broad variety of body types.

Yarns Used

The Manon Top is worked using two Rowan yarns held and used individually at different points in the pattern:

• Yarn A – Rowan Summerlite 4ply in Navy Ink 429: A lightweight 4ply yarn sold in 50g balls. This is the primary yarn used for the body of the top and is the yarn referenced in the tension swatch.
• Yarn B – Rowan Fine Lace in Mariana 955: An ultra-fine lace weight yarn, also sold in 50g balls. This yarn is used in smaller quantities and contributes to the delicate, textural quality of the stitch pattern.

The combination of a 4ply and a lace weight yarn creates a subtle interplay of texture and sheen, giving the Manon Top its distinctive MODE Collection aesthetic. Rowan Summerlite 4ply is a cotton-based yarn well suited to warm-weather garments, while Fine Lace adds a gossamer quality to the fabric.

Needles Required

• 1 pair 2¼mm (no 13) (US 1) needles – used for the cast-on and ribbed or edging sections
• 1 pair 3mm (no 11) (US 2/3) needles – used for the main body of the garment

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The stated tension is 28 stitches and 39 rows to 10 cm, measured over the stitch pattern using 3mm (US 2/3) needles and yarn A (Rowan Summerlite 4ply in Navy Ink 429). Because the yarn weights are fine, even small deviations in tension can significantly affect the finished dimensions of the garment, so knitters are strongly encouraged to swatch carefully before beginning.

Techniques and Construction

The Manon Top is worked in flat pieces using standard knitting construction methods. The pattern includes a clearly defined back section, worked from the cast-on edge upward. Key construction techniques include:

• Armhole shaping – achieved through casting off stitches at the beginning of rows, followed by paired decreases on both right-side and wrong-side rows to create a clean, fitted armhole curve
• Shoulder and back neck shaping – worked with cast-off rows and turning rows to create a neat, tailored shoulder line
• Stitch markers – placed at both ends of a designated row to mark the depth of the armhole shaping, aiding in seaming and finishing

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The Manon Top features a 12-row repeating stitch pattern that forms the main fabric of the garment. This pattern is worked consistently throughout the body, with shaping worked while