Breeze Top

Breeze Top by Kari-Helene Rane

What is Being Made

The Breeze Top is a knitted garment designed to fit bust measurements of 70-85 cm (27-33 inches) in Small, 85-95 cm (33-37 inches) in Medium, and 95-110 cm (37-43 inches) in Large. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a fitted top with a structured silhouette, available in three size options to accommodate a range of body measurements.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Breeze Top employs several foundational knitting techniques to achieve its finished structure. The garment begins with a 2x2 ribbed cuff worked from the cast-on edge, which provides elasticity and a neat finished edge. The ribbing is worked for 26 rows on Small, 30 rows on Medium, and 34 rows on Large, creating a depth of approximately 8-10 cm depending on size.

After the ribbed section is complete, the pattern transitions to stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which is worked beginning with a knit row. The underarm shaping is achieved through cast-on increases worked at the beginning of successive rows. This technique adds stitches gradually to expand the width of the garment at the underarm and upper body area. The cast-on increases vary by size: Small requires 6 stitches cast on at the beginning of one row, followed by 5 stitches cast on at the beginning of the following 3 rows; Medium requires 5 stitches cast on at the beginning of 6 rows total; Large requires 4 stitches cast on at the beginning of one row, followed by 5 stitches cast on at the beginning of the following 3 rows.

Stitches Used

• 2x2 Ribbing: Alternating knit and purl stitches in groups of two, worked flat to create vertical columns of texture that provide stretch and recovery
• Stocking Stitch: The primary fabric structure, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic knitted appearance
• Cast-On Increases: New stitches are created at the edge of the fabric by casting on at the beginning of rows, allowing the garment width to expand systematically

Materials and Gauge

The Breeze Top is designed to be worked in Purl Alpaca Fine, a luxury yarn composed of 100% alpaca fiber. This yarn is supplied at 116 meters per 50 grams, providing a soft and breathable fabric suitable for a top. The pattern requires 6 balls for Small, 7 balls for Medium, and 7 balls for Large.

The garment is worked on 4 mm knitting needles, with the pattern specifying the use of both smaller and larger needles at different stages. The initial ribbed section is worked on smaller needles to create a tighter, more elastic edge, while the body is worked on the larger 4 mm needles. The tension specification is 20 stitches and 29 rows to a 10 cm square over stocking stitch using 4 mm needles, which is typical for sport and DK weight yarns. Achieving this tension is essential for the garment to fit to the intended bust measurements.

Yarn Weight and Difficulty Level

The Breeze Top is designed for DK and sport weight yarns, making it suitable for creating lightweight, draping garments. The intermediate difficulty level indicates that this pattern is appropriate for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and simple shaping techniques but may still be developing skills in more complex construction methods. The combination of ribbing, stocking stitch, and systematic increases provides a balanced learning project.