Sandlily Top in MODE at Rowan Cotton DK - Downloadable PDF

Sandlily Top – Knitting Pattern Summary (MODE at Rowan Cotton DK)

The Sandlily Top is a beautifully simple knitted top designed by Quail Studio and worked in MODE at Rowan Cotton DK. Rated as a beginner-friendly project, this pattern is an ideal introduction to garment knitting, offering a clean, wearable silhouette that suits a wide range of body sizes. The design is photographed in Taupe 021, showcasing how the textured stitch pattern reads elegantly in a neutral cotton yarn.

What Is Being Made

The Sandlily Top is a classic knitted top designed to be worn close to the body with a neat, structured finish. It features shaped armholes and a neckband, making it a polished, finished garment suitable for warm-weather wear. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is sized to fit a wide range of chest measurements.

Size Range

• Chest sizes (to fit): 71–76 cm / 28–30 in through to 152–157 cm / 60–62 in — a total of nine sizes
• Actual garment chest measurements: range from 86 cm / 33¾ in up to 166 cm / 65¼ in, providing generous positive ease across the size range

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for MODE at Rowan Cotton DK, a DK weight cotton yarn sold in 50 g balls. Cotton DK is a popular choice for warm-weather tops due to its breathability, stitch definition, and comfortable drape against the skin. The yardage required varies by size:

• 7 balls – sizes 71–76 cm and 81–86 cm
• 8 balls – size 91–97 cm
• 9 balls – size 102–107 cm
• 10 balls – sizes 112–117 cm and 122–127 cm
• 11 balls – size 132–137 cm
• 12 balls – sizes 142–147 cm and 152–157 cm

Needles and Tools

• 1 pair of 3.5 mm (UK no. 9 / US 4) straight needles – used for the main body of the garment
• 3.5 mm (UK no. 9 / US 4) circular needle, 40 cm length – used for working the neckband and armbands in the round, giving a neat, seamless finish to the edges
• Stitch holders – to hold live stitches while other sections are worked
• Stitch marker – to mark key points in the pattern

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for a well-fitting garment. The pattern specifies 26 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm, measured over the stitch pattern using 3.5 mm (US 4) needles. Because this is a fitted top, knitters are strongly encouraged to work a tension swatch before beginning and to adjust needle size as needed.

Techniques Used

The Sandlily Top is constructed using straightforward knitting techniques, making it accessible to those who are relatively new to garment knitting. Key construction techniques include:

• Flat knitting – the main body pieces are worked back and forth on straight needles
• Armhole shaping – stitches are cast off at the beginning of rows to create a neat, structured armhole opening; the pattern specifies casting off between 5 and 11 stitches at the beginning of the next two rows depending on size
• Circular knitting – the neckband and armbands are picked up and worked in the round on a short circular needle, a technique that creates a smooth, professional