Bandon-by-the-Sea

Bandon-by-the-Sea Knit Top by Kay Hopkins

What Is Being Made

Bandon-by-the-Sea is a seamless, top-down knit top designed for warm weather wear. This versatile garment can be styled over jeans or shorts and features a choice of short sleeves or three-quarter length sleeves, both included in the pattern instructions. The design showcases a distinctive lacy circular yoke that transitions smoothly into raglan seams, with the yoke lace pattern echoed in the gentle shirt-tail hemline and sleeve finishing for cohesive design details.

Knitting Techniques

This top is worked entirely top-down and in the round using seamless construction methods, eliminating the need for seaming. The raglan shaping provides excellent fit and structure, while the top-down approach allows for easy customization of length and sleeve options. The design balances stockinette stitch sections with lace work, creating visual interest and texture throughout the garment.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – forms the primary fabric base for body and sleeves
• Lace stitches – featured in the circular yoke and echoed in the shirt-tail hemline and sleeve finishing
• Raglan seams – structural shaping worked as part of the seamless construction

Materials and Yarn Weight

Bandon-by-the-Sea is designed to be worked in DK or sport weight yarn with good drape characteristics. The pattern particularly showcases hand-dyed yarns beautifully. A linen blend yarn is recommended for optimal results in warmer weather, offering breathability and elegant drape. Alternatively, linen blends work wonderfully for layering under jackets or sweaters during cooler seasons, making this top a versatile year-round piece.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable working in the round, managing lace stitches, and understanding raglan shaping techniques.