One Shoulder Knit Crop Top

One Shoulder Knit Crop Top by Biosha Thompson

What is Being Made

This is a beginner-friendly knitted crop top featuring a distinctive one-shoulder design. The garment is constructed as a fitted, cropped piece with asymmetrical strapping that creates the signature one-shoulder silhouette. Available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, with waist measurements from 58 cm to 88 cm, this top combines a classic knit construction with modern styling.

Knitting Techniques Used

The One Shoulder Knit Crop Top employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The construction begins with a ribbed cuff worked in a K2.P2. rib stitch pattern, which provides elasticity and a finished edge. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch, creating a smooth, professional appearance. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreases, including slip slip knit (ssk) and knit two together (k2tog) reductions that form the asymmetrical one-shoulder strap. The pattern also incorporates purl two together through the back loops (p2togtbl) for refined finishing on the wrong side.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Ribbed Stitch (K2.P2.): Used for the initial 7 cm cuff, alternating knit and purl stitches to create a stretchy, textured edge
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch pattern for the 15 cm body section, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, V-textured fabric
• Decrease Stitches: Slip slip knit (ssk) and knit two together (k2tog) are used to shape the one-shoulder strap, creating diagonal lines and reducing stitch counts progressively
• Purl Decreases: Purl two together (p2tog) and purl two together through the back loops (p2togtbl) provide shaping on wrong-side rows

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern uses Charity yarn in Chunky weight, a substantial yarn that knits quickly and creates a bold texture. The yarn is worked in the color Bottle. Yardage requirements vary by size: XS through M sizes require 2 balls of 100g yarn, while L and XL sizes require 3 balls. The chunky weight classification means the yarn has significant thickness, making this an ideal beginner project that works up rapidly.

Tools and Equipment Required

• 5.0 mm straight knitting needles for flat construction of the main pieces
• 5.0 mm circular knitting needles for sections requiring circular needle work or for managing larger stitch counts
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together
• Stitch holder for temporarily holding stitches during shaping, particularly when dividing the front for the one-shoulder strap
• Scissors for cutting yarn

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches and 21 rows over a 10 by 10 cm square, worked in stockinette stitch. This gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The pattern accommodates five sizes with cast-on stitch counts ranging from 48 stitches for XS to 72 stitches for XL, allowing customization to fit waist measurements from 58 cm to 88 cm.

Construction Overview

The top begins with a ribbed cuff worked over approximately 7 cm (15 rows), establishing the lower edge with elasticity. The body is then worked in stockinette stitch for 15 cm (approximately 31 rows), creating the main fitted section. The one-shoulder shaping is achieved by dividing the front stitches and working one half with progressive decreases to form the strap, while the other half is placed on a stitch holder. This asymmetrical construction is what gives the garment its distinctive one-shoulder aesthetic.