Nuala

Nuala Knit Top by Truly Myrtle

What is Being Made

Nuala is a lightweight knit top designed as a versatile summer layer perfect for wearing over dresses and skirts or paired with jeans. Named Nuala (pronounced noo-la), this garment features a relaxed, effortless aesthetic with dropped shoulders and a high-low hemline. The design comes in three roomy sizes to accommodate bust measurements from 30-38 inches (76-96.5 cm) up to 50-58 inches, making it accessible for a wide range of body types.

Design Features and Construction Method

The Nuala top employs a distinctive construction approach that begins with working lace panels first. Stitches are then picked up along the long edges of these panels before working downward toward the armholes. This method allows the beautiful lace detailing to become a structural foundation for the garment. Gradual decreases worked down the sides provide shaping to the body, creating definition despite the relaxed overall silhouette. The high-low hemline is constructed using invisible short rows, a technique that creates subtle shaping without visible transitions.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting pattern incorporates several key techniques suitable for adventurous beginners looking to expand their skills. The pattern features lace knitting, with both written and charted instructions provided to guide knitters through the decorative panels. Kitchener stitch is used at the underarms to create seamless sleeve construction, eliminating the need for traditional seaming in this area. The neck and sleeves are finished with a fast and easy bind-off technique designed to provide a flattering fit without bulk. The use of short rows for the high-low hem demonstrates shaping without increases or decreases in the traditional sense, adding visual interest and dimension to the finished garment.

Yarn and Materials

Nuala is designed to be worked in aran weight yarn, a medium-weight option ideal for creating lightweight summer garments with good drape. The pattern calls for 10 skeins of yarn for the smallest size, 12 skeins for the medium size, and 14 skeins for the largest size, using Quince yarn as the recommended fiber. Aran weight yarn works beautifully for lace projects, allowing stitch definition to show clearly while maintaining the breathable, summery quality appropriate for warm-weather wear.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, Nuala is described as suitable for adventurous beginners, meaning it introduces new techniques without requiring extensive prior experience. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF format, making it accessible for immediate use. The inclusion of both written instructions and charted patterns for the lace sections accommodates different learning preferences and allows knitters to choose their preferred method for following the lace design.