Overtop with Cross-Over Neck & Front Slits

Overtop with Cross-Over Neck & Front Slits by Pat Menchini

What Is Being Made

This is a knitted overtop featuring a distinctive cross-over neckline and front slits, designed as a contemporary layering piece. The garment is available in six sizes to fit bust measurements from 76-81 cm (30-32 inches) up to 127-132 cm (50-52 inches), with finished bust measurements ranging from 92 cm (36¼ inches) to 140 cm (55 inches). The length to shoulder varies from 58 cm to 62 cm (23 to 24½ inches) depending on size, making this a versatile top suitable for various body types and styling preferences.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs fundamental knitting construction methods combined with shaping techniques. The cross-over neckline requires careful attention to neckline shaping and finishing, while the front slits necessitate strategic placement and clean edge finishing. The pattern utilizes a stitch holder for managing stitches during construction, indicating techniques such as picking up stitches and working sections in sequence. Tension control is critical for this design, as the pattern specifies different tension measurements for different stitch types, requiring knitters to adjust their technique or needle size accordingly to achieve the correct finished measurements.

Stitches Used

The overtop incorporates two primary stitch patterns. Stockinette stitch (st st) forms the base fabric, worked at a tension of 14 stitches and 19 rows over 10 cm (4 inches). Garter stitch (g st) is also featured in the design, worked at a slightly different tension of 13½ stitches and 26 rows over 10 cm (4 inches). Both stitches are worked on 6 mm needles, and the pattern emphasizes the importance of testing tension before beginning to ensure accurate finished dimensions and proper garment fit.

Materials and Yarn

This pattern calls for Rico-Design Essentials Alpaca Blend Print Chunky yarn in shade 003. The yarn is a chunky weight option, providing a quick-knit quality ideal for intermediate knitters. Yardage requirements are 90 metres (98 yards) per 50g ball, with total yarn amounts varying by size: 8 balls for the two smallest sizes, 9 balls for the next two sizes, and 10 balls for the two largest sizes. All work is completed using a single pair of 6 mm (UK 4/US 10) knitting needles, plus one stitch holder for managing stitches during construction. The pattern notes that yarn amounts are approximate and recommends checking that any substitute yarn matches the specified tension to ensure successful results.