Asterion Top

Asterion Top by Corrine Walcher

What is Being Made

The Asterion Top is a sleeveless, bottom-up knitted garment designed as a versatile three-season top. This intermediate-level project features a distinctive deep lace hem and optional waist shaping to create a feminine silhouette. The pattern offers six finished chest sizes ranging from 32 to 52 inches, with corresponding length adjustments from 13 to 15 inches from cast-on to underarm. The design is intended to be dressy and refined, with a matching cardigan available as a complementary piece.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Asterion Top employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning knitting begins at the hem and progresses upward toward the neckline. The garment is worked in the round, which creates seamless fabric and allows for continuous stitch work. The pattern incorporates optional waist shaping, giving knitters the choice to customize the fit for a more tailored, feminine appearance. The signature design element is the deep lace hem, which requires lace knitting techniques to create decorative openwork patterns at the lower edge of the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch used in the Asterion Top is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, flat fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns. The gauge is established at 24 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches in blocked stockinette stitch, providing the foundation for accurate sizing. The deep lace hem incorporates lace stitches, which are created through yarn-overs and decreases to form decorative openwork patterns. These lace techniques add visual interest and an elegant drape to the lower edge of the top.

Yarn and Materials

The Asterion Top pattern calls for Avalon Springs Farm Love Potion yarn, a blend of Merino wool and bamboo fiber. This yarn weight is available in 3-ply and 4-ply options, providing flexibility for different fiber preferences while maintaining the intended gauge. The yarn is supplied in 4-ounce skeins with 555 yards per skein. Yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size (32-inch chest) requires 1 skein, while sizes 36 inches and larger each require 2 skeins. The 40-inch sample used 620 yards total. The Merino and bamboo blend provides beautiful drape and subtle sheen, qualities specifically suited to the dressy, feminine aesthetic of this top.

Needles and Notions

Knitting the Asterion Top requires US #4/3.5mm circular needles. A 32-inch circular needle is recommended for the body of the top, though knitters working larger sizes may prefer a longer needle to accommodate the increased circumference comfortably. For working small circumferences in the round—such as the neckline or armholes—knitters may use their preferred method, which could include smaller circular needles, double-pointed needles, or magic loop techniques. Needle size may be adjusted as needed to achieve the specified gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches in blocked stockinette stitch. Essential notions include stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction sections throughout the knitting process.