Dash Stitch Top

Dash Stitch Top by Sian Brown

What is Being Made

The Dash Stitch Top is a knitted women's garment designed by Sian Brown as a beginner-friendly project. This top features a distinctive dash stitch pattern throughout and is available in eight sizes ranging from 32 to 46 inches bust measurement. The finished garment offers a relaxed fit with actual bust measurements from 35 to 54¼ inches, and length options from 19¼ to 22 inches, making it suitable for various body types and style preferences.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Dash Stitch Top employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner knitters. The construction begins with a cast-on edge worked on smaller needles to create a neat, finished edge. The pattern uses through-the-back-loop (tbl) stitching to create twisted stitches that contribute to the distinctive dash stitch texture. The make-1 (m1) increase technique is incorporated for shaping the garment. The piece is worked in the round or in flat pieces, utilizing stitch holders to manage stitches during construction. The pattern demonstrates basic garment shaping principles suitable for developing knitters.

Stitches Used

The Dash Stitch Top relies on essential knitting stitches that form the foundation of the design:

• Knit stitch (k): The primary stitch creating the fabric structure
• Purl stitch (p): Used in combination with knit stitches to create texture and pattern definition
• Knit through back loop (k1tbl): Creates twisted stitches that form the distinctive dash pattern, adding visual interest and subtle texture
• Purl through back loop (p1tbl): Complements the knit through back loop stitches on wrong-side rows
• Make 1 (m1): An increase stitch used for shaping the garment to fit different sizes

Dash Stitch Pattern Repeat

The signature dash stitch pattern is a 12-row repeat that creates visual texture throughout the garment. The pattern alternates between two distinct sections: rows 1–6 feature a k1tbl, p5 repeat with offset positioning on right-side and wrong-side rows, while rows 7–12 shift to a p5, k1tbl repeat. This alternating structure creates a dynamic, dashed appearance when viewed from the finished fabric. The tension is set at 17 stitches and 25 rows over a 10-centimeter square, which is typical for aran-weight yarn.

Materials and Yarn

The Dash Stitch Top is designed to be knitted using Anchor Style Bamboolo yarn in Lemon (shade 802), a yarn that knits as aran weight. Aran-weight yarn is a medium-weight option that creates a fabric with good drape and structure, making it ideal for garments. The yardage requirement varies by size, ranging from 8 to 12 balls of 50-gram weight, allowing knitters to select the appropriate quantity based on their chosen size. The bamboo fiber content provides a soft, breathable quality suitable for a top garment.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes to achieve the desired fabric characteristics. Size 4.5mm needles are used for the initial cast-on and edge rows, creating a tighter, more defined edge. Size 5.5mm needles are then used for the main body pattern, allowing the aran-weight yarn to expand into the dash stitch pattern at the correct tension. A stitch holder is necessary for holding stitches during construction, particularly when working separate pieces or managing stitches between sections.

Sizing and Fit

The Dash Stitch Top accommodates eight different sizes with bust measurements from 81 to 117 centimeters (32 to 46 inches). Each size has specific stitch counts and finished measurements, allowing knitters to customize the fit. The length is adjustable across sizes from 49 to 56 centimeters (19¼ to 22 inches), providing options for different proportions and style preferences.