Isabella Top

Isabella Top by LouDoubleKnitter

What Is Being Made

The Isabella Top is a straightforward machine-knit garment designed as an easy and versatile piece suitable for everyday wear. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a classic top available in three sizes to fit bust measurements of 32-34, 36-38, and 40-42 inches. The finished garment offers approximately 2 inches of positive ease, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit without excessive bulk.

Construction Method

The Isabella Top is constructed using a simple two-piece approach on a standard gauge knitting machine. Each piece is worked independently from front to back on the main bed only, then joined together to form the centre and side seams. This straightforward construction method eliminates the need for complex shaping, making it an ideal project for intermediate-level machine knitters. The pattern provides stitch and row counts that can be easily adapted to accommodate personal measurements and preferred garment length, offering flexibility beyond the three provided sizes.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Isabella Top is worked primarily in Stocking Stitch, the fundamental machine knit fabric that creates a smooth, classic appearance. The pattern specifies an e-wrap cast-on worked loosely from left to right to begin each piece, ensuring a flexible edge suitable for a garment opening. The garment is worked at Tension 7 during the main knitting phase, with the tension dial adjusted to the highest number for a single finishing row before casting off. A latch tool is used for loose casting off, which prevents excessive tightness at the garment edges. Assembly involves straightforward seaming techniques to join the two pieces at the centre and side seams.

Pattern Features and Finishing

• Three finished sizes with row and stitch counts: 70, 80, and 90 stitches cast on, with 400, 420, and 440 rows respectively
• Pieces measure approximately 44, 46, and 48 inches after pressing
• Finished garment requires light pressing to set the fabric and achieve final measurements
• Design flexibility: either the purl or knit side of the Stocking Stitch fabric can be used as the right side, allowing for design variation
• Fastening: one medium or two small buttons for closure
• No shaping required, making this an accessible intermediate project

Materials Required

The Isabella Top is worked in 4-ply yarn, a lightweight yarn weight ideal for creating refined, drapable garments. Approximately 210 grams of yarn are needed for the smallest size, with 230 grams for the medium size and 250 grams for the largest size. The pattern is designed for use on a standard gauge knitting machine using the main bed only, with no additional beds or specialized equipment required. One medium button or two small buttons are needed to complete the garment closure.