Encinitas Top

Encinitas Top by Irina Anikeeva

What is Being Made

The Encinitas Top is a women's knitted garment designed by Irina Anikeeva, available in sizes XS through 4XL to fit bust measurements from 28-30 inches (71-76 cm) up to 56-58 inches (142-147 cm). The finished garment offers a bust circumference ranging from 34 inches (85 cm) in the smallest size to 62 inches (155 cm) in the largest size, with an intended ease of +4-6 inches (10-15 cm) for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This top employs a strategic construction method that combines circular knitting with flat knitting techniques. The body is worked from the bottom up in the round to the underarms using circular needles, which creates a seamless lower section. Once the underarms are reached, the front and back are separated and worked individually in flat rows, allowing for shaping and customization of the neckline and armhole areas. The pattern includes a charted design that is worked in the round during the body section, with all chart rounds worked in a standard manner.

A provisional cast-on using a crochet chain is employed at the beginning, which allows for a flexible, finished edge and the ability to pick up stitches later if needed for additional finishing details or modifications.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in the Encinitas Top is Stockinette Stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knitted fabric with a flat appearance. The garment also incorporates charted pattern work, which may include colorwork, texture, or other decorative elements as indicated in the pattern charts. Stitch markers are essential notions for tracking pattern repeats and marking important locations such as the underarm separation points.

Yarn and Gauge

The Encinitas Top is designed for DK weight yarn, a medium-light yarn weight that creates a fabric with good drape and structure. The approximate yardage required varies by size, ranging from 780 yards (714 meters) for the XS size to 1,430 yards (1,305 meters) for the 4XL size, allowing crafters to select appropriate yardage based on their intended finished size.

The recommended gauge is 22 stitches and 32 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch or charted pattern when worked on US 5/3.75 mm needles after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and proper fit of the garment.

Needles, Hooks, and Notions

This project requires the following tools and notions:

• US 5/3.75 mm needles for the main knitting in Stockinette Stitch and charted pattern
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points
• Waste yarn for holding stitches during the transition from circular to flat knitting
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming if necessary
• Crochet hook E/3.5 mm for creating the provisional cast-on using a crochet chain method and for any finishing details
• Cable needle for any cable stitch work that may be incorporated into the charted pattern

Difficulty Level

The Encinitas Top is rated as an intermediate difficulty project, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The intermediate classification reflects the combination of circular knitting, chart reading, pattern transitions from round to flat knitting, and the need to manage gauge and blocking for proper fit.