Mini Anker Top in MODE at Rowan Cotton DK - Downloadable PDF

Mini Anker Top in MODE at Rowan Cotton DK

What is Being Made

The Mini Anker Top is a children's knitted garment designed by Quail Studio, available in five size options ranging from 3-4 years through 11-12 years. The garment features an anchor motif design and is constructed as a classic fitted top with front and back panels. Actual chest measurements range from 63 cm (24¾ inches) for the smallest size to 84.5 cm (33¼ inches) for the largest size, making this a versatile pattern for growing children.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This beginner-level knitting project employs fundamental techniques suitable for those new to garment construction. The pattern uses a straightforward stockinette stitch base, which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for displaying the anchor design. The garment is constructed using the flat knitting method with separate front and back panels that are later joined together.

Key shaping techniques include strategic decreases and increases to create the garment's fitted silhouette. The front panel begins with a cast-on of 77 to 101 stitches depending on size, worked in stockinette stitch. Decreases are worked symmetrically at both edges using the knit two together (K2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) methods to create tapered shaping. The back panel incorporates back slope shaping with increases worked at the beginning of alternate rows to accommodate shoulder and armhole construction. These shaping techniques are worked at regular intervals, with decreases occurring every 14th or 16th row depending on the size being knitted.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the garment, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth fabric
• Knit Stitch (K): The foundation stitch worked on right-side rows
• Purl Stitch (P): Worked on wrong-side rows to create stockinette texture
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease used at the beginning of rows for edge shaping
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used at the end of rows for symmetrical shaping
• Cast-on: Used to create the initial stitches for the front and back panels
• Increases (Inc 1 st): Single stitch increases worked at the beginning of rows for back slope shaping

Materials and Specifications

The Mini Anker Top is knitted using Cotton DK weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that provides excellent drape and breathability, making it ideal for children's clothing. The pattern requires 5 to 7 balls of 50-gram yarn depending on the size being knitted, with the sample garment photographed in Latte 012, a neutral neutral shade from the MODE at Rowan collection.

The project requires 3.5mm (US 4) knitting needles in a standard straight or circular needle format. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using the specified needle size, making accurate gauge measurement essential for proper fit. Additional notions include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction. The downloadable PDF format allows for convenient access and printing of the complete pattern instructions.