Annette

Annette Knit Top by Nancy Boccuzzi

What is Being Made

Annette is a knitted top designed by Nancy A. Boccuzzi as a downloadable PDF pattern. This garment is suitable for beginners and comes in seven size options ranging from 30/32 inches up to 54/56 inches, making it accessible for a wide range of body measurements. The top features set-in sleeves and a structured silhouette created through strategic shaping techniques.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Lucci Zebra yarn, with Lucci Luca available as a substitute option. The yarn weight is DK (double knit), a medium-weight yarn that works up at a moderate gauge. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 7 hanks for the smallest size (30/32 inches) to 14 hanks for the largest size (54/56 inches). Additional materials include US size 6 and US size 7 knitting needles, an F crochet hook for finishing details, and stitch markers to help track pattern repeats throughout the project.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Annette employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner-level crafters. The pattern utilizes a custom stitch pattern that repeats over 13 stitches plus 2 edge stitches, creating visual interest and shaping through strategic increases and decreases.

• Stockinette Stitch (St St): The primary fabric structure used for the main body and sleeves, created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side to produce a smooth, classic knit fabric.
• Decreases: K2tog (knit 2 stitches together) reductions are incorporated into the pattern repeat to create shaping and textural elements.
• Increases: KF&B (knit into the front and back of the same stitch) increases are used to add stitches and create fullness within the pattern.
• Cast On and Bind Off: Standard CO (cast on) and BO (bind off) techniques form the foundation and finished edges of the garment.
• Slip Stitch: Crochet slip stitch (Sl St) finishing is incorporated using the F crochet hook, likely for edging or joining seams.

Pattern Construction

The garment is constructed in pieces, beginning with the back panel. The back is cast on using US size 7 needles with stitch counts varying by size from 93 stitches (smallest) to 158 stitches (largest). After purling one row, the knitter works the custom pattern stitch until the piece measures 15 to 16 inches from the beginning, measured at the longest point. The needle is then switched to US size 6 for Stockinette Stitch work.

Sleeves are created by casting on additional stitches (14 stitches at the end of rows) to build cap sleeve shaping. The designer recommends using stitch markers to clearly delineate pattern repeats, which helps maintain accuracy throughout the project and prevents mistakes in the rhythmic increases and decreases.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 5 stitches by 5 rows per 1 inch when measured over Stockinette Stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, as the seven available sizes are calibrated to this measurement standard. The difficulty level is marked as beginner, making this an excellent project for knitters developing their foundational skills with shaping and pattern work.