Spring Breeze

Spring Breeze by Ayano Tanaka

Garment Overview

Spring Breeze is an intermediate-level knitted top designed by Ayano Tanaka. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a fitted knit garment worked primarily in a textured 5x4 rib stitch with cable detailing. The design is constructed using a classic seamed construction method, with front and back pieces worked separately from the bottom up before being joined together.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The pattern is available in five sizes: XS, S, M, L, and XL. Finished bust measurements range from 34 inches (86.5 cm) for the smallest size to 56¾ inches (144 cm) for the largest size. Total length including hem ranges from 20½ inches (52.5 cm) in XS to 22¾ inches (57.5 cm) in XL. The sample garment shown in the pattern is size S with 8¼ inches (21 cm) of positive ease at the bust.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern incorporates several intermediate-level knitting techniques that add visual interest and structure to the finished garment:

• Long-tail cast on — used to establish the foundation stitches with an elastic edge
• German short rows — a shaping technique employed to create fitted contours in the garment
• 3-needle bind off — used to join pieces together with a secure, finished seam
• Cable work — integrated throughout the main body fabric for textural depth

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern is a 5x4 rib, which creates vertical columns of texture ideal for a fitted silhouette. This rib pattern is combined with cables that are worked throughout the body of the garment, adding dimension and visual interest to the piece.

Yarn and Materials

Spring Breeze is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn. The pattern specifies BC Garn Allino, a blend of 50% cotton and 50% linen with a yardage of 137 yards (125 meters) per 50-gram skein. Yardage requirements range from 7 skeins for sizes XS and S to 11 skeins for size XL. The sample shown is knitted in color 5 of the Allino line.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires needles in three different sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction:

• US size 2 / 2.75 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs)
• US size 3 / 3.25 mm needles (circular or straight)
• US size 4 / 3.5 mm needles (circular or straight)

Additional notions include a cable needle for working cable stitches, locking markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends. Needle size should be adjusted as needed to obtain the specified gauge.

Gauge

The pattern gauge is 25 stitches and 35 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in 5x4 rib on the main body needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit of the garment.

Construction Method

Spring Breeze uses a seamed construction approach. The front and back pieces are each worked independently from the lower edge upward to the armhole. Once the individual pieces reach the required length, they are joined using the 3-needle bind off technique, creating a professional, finished seam. This construction method allows for precise shaping and is well-suited to the rib and cable stitch patterns used throughout the design.