Damentop in Schachenmayr Egypto Cotton - 01803

Damentop in Schachenmayr Egypto Cotton – Pattern 01803: A Detailed Summary

This free downloadable PDF pattern (Design 01803) from Schachenmayr provides instructions for knitting a women's top (Damentop) in a lightweight, summery style. The pattern is published under the knitSMC label by Coats PLC and is available in three sizes, making it a versatile project for knitters of different body types. The design is well-suited to warmer months thanks to its open lacework construction and the breathable cotton yarn specified.

Sizes Available

• Size 36/38 (UK 8–10 / EU 36–38)
• Size 40/42 (UK 12–14 / EU 40–42)
• Size 44/46 (UK 16–18 / EU 44–46)

Instructions for Size 36/38 appear before the brackets, Size 40/42 is given first inside the brackets (before the slash), and Size 44/46 follows after the slash. Where only a single figure is given, it applies to all sizes.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a women's knitted top, designed as a lightweight, fashion-forward garment ideal for spring and summer wear. The combination of an airy lace stitch pattern with a neat rolled edge gives the top a delicate yet contemporary finish. It is a 4-ply weight project, meaning the fabric knits up fine and drapey — perfect for a close-fitting or semi-fitted top silhouette.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Schachenmayr SMC Egypto Cotton in shade 00171 schilf (a natural reed/green tone)
• Quantity: 200 g for sizes 36/38 and 40/42; 250 g for size 44/46
• Needles: Milward straight knitting needles, size 2.5–3 mm
• Additional: A 40 cm circular needle (also size 2.5–3 mm), used for picking up and working neckline or edge stitches in the round

Schachenmayr SMC Egypto Cotton is a 4-ply (fingering weight) cotton yarn, known for its smooth texture, stitch definition, and breathability. Cotton yarns like this one are particularly well-suited to lace knitting because they hold their shape well and allow the eyelet pattern to open up beautifully after blocking.

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting on straight needles for the main body panels
• Circular knitting on a 40 cm circular needle, used for finishing edges such as the neckline or armhole trims
• Lace knitting using yarn-overs and decreases to form the eyelet (Ajourmuster) pattern
• Rolled edge finishing (Rollrand), a classic technique where a few rows of reverse stockinette naturally curl to create a self-finishing border without the need for ribbing
• Seaming to join front and back panels

Stitches Used

• Rollrand (Rolled Edge): Worked over 3 rows of purl stitches (with the first row being a wrong-side/return row), followed by alternating rows of knit and purl to encourage the natural roll of stockinette. This creates a soft, rounded border at hems, necklines, or armholes.
• Ajourmuster (Eyelet / Lace Pattern): Worked over an even number of stitches. The pattern alternates between two right-side rows:
  • Row 1: Edge stitch, * k2tog, yarn over; repeat from * to last stitch, edge stitch
  • Row 3: Edge stitch, k1, * yarn over, sl1-k1-psso (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped