Swirly Waves top

Swirly Waves Top by Patternery

What is Being Made

The Waves sleeveless top is an original design by Marina Novikova, created as a knitted garment suitable for infants through adults. This top features a distinctive wave pattern design and is available in multiple sizes ranging from 3-6 months up to XL/XXL, with chest circumferences fitting from 17 inches (43 cm) to 39 inches (99 cm). The sleeveless construction makes it an ideal layering piece or warm-weather garment.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its signature aesthetic. The garment utilizes stockinette stitch as the primary fabric structure, which creates a smooth, classic knit surface that showcases the wave colorwork pattern. The pattern incorporates round knitting using circular needles, allowing for seamless construction. The design features a two-color wave motif that creates visual movement throughout the piece, with color changes strategically placed to form the swirling wave effect. Sleeve finishing is completed using smaller circular needles, demonstrating the use of both larger and smaller needle sizes within a single project.

Stitches and Construction Details

• Stockinette stitch (St. st.) forms the foundation of the fabric, worked flat or in the round depending on garment sections
• Stitch markers are used to track round knitting and pattern repeats
• The pattern utilizes color changes to create the wave design across the body and sleeves
• Finishing techniques include binding off and seaming where necessary, with a large tapestry needle used for weaving in ends and joining sections
• Stitch holders are employed to hold stitches during construction, particularly for sleeve and neckline shaping

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This project calls for Lana Grossa Cotone, a 100% cotton yarn in sport weight. The yardage per skein is 125 meters (137 yards) per 50-gram ball. Yarn quantities vary by size, with the bottom wave color requiring approximately 1 to 5 skeins depending on the selected size, and the top color requiring approximately 1 to 5 skeins. The cotton fiber content makes this top breathable and suitable for warm-weather wear.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern requires US 3 (3.25 mm) circular needles in two lengths: a 24-inch (60 cm) needle for the main body and a 16-inch (40 cm) needle for sleeve finishing. Knitters should select needle size to obtain the specified gauge. The gauge is 11 stitches by 14 rows over 2 inches (5 cm) in stockinette stitch, which is essential to verify before beginning the project to ensure proper fit across all sizes.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern is suitable for knitters with foundational skills in circular needle work, color changes, and garment shaping. The combination of seamless construction, gauge precision, and two-color patterning requires more experience than a basic project but remains accessible to dedicated intermediate-level crafters.