Kemper Top

Kemper Top by Born & Raised Knits

What Is Being Made

The Kemper Top is a knitted pullover garment designed as an intermediate-level project. This top features a classic construction with color work elements, available in nine graduated sizes to accommodate a range of fit preferences. The pattern includes detailed sizing specifications with neckhole openings ranging from 17.25 to 28 inches and armhole depths between 8 and 9 inches, allowing for customized fit across multiple size ranges.

Knitting Techniques

This project employs several essential knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The primary construction method is knitting in the round, which creates seamless fabric and is worked on circular needles. The pattern incorporates stranded colorwork, a technique where two yarn colors are carried across the fabric to create patterned sections. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases positioned throughout the garment to form the armholes, neckline, and body contours.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Kemper Top utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with shaping techniques:

• Stockinette stitch serves as the primary fabric base, created by alternating knit and purl rows to form a smooth, classic knit surface
• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches form the foundation of all stitch patterns
• Make one left (m1l) and make one right (m1r) are left-leaning and right-leaning increase stitches respectively, each adding one stitch to the working fabric
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) is a left-leaning decrease that reduces stitch count by one
• Knit two together (k2tog) is a right-leaning decrease that reduces stitch count by one
• The pattern requires 11 stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout construction

Yarn and Materials

The Kemper Top is designed for DK weight yarn, a versatile medium yarn weight that creates fabric with excellent drape and stitch definition. The pattern calls for two yarn colors: the main color (MC) is Latona by Junkyarn in DK weight, with yardage requirements ranging from 250 yards for the smallest size to 570 yards for the largest size. The contrast color (CC) is Lara by Junkyarn, also in DK weight, requiring between 50 and 280 yards depending on the selected size. Construction is worked on US 6 circular needles in two sizes: 16-inch needles for smaller circumference sections and 24 to 32-inch needles for larger body sections. Additional notions include a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.

Gauge and Fit Considerations

Accurate gauge is essential for this project and is measured in stockinette stitch. The pattern provides negative ease values for smaller sizes, ranging from -2 to -3 inches, meaning the finished garment will measure slightly smaller than body measurements for a fitted silhouette. Larger sizes feature zero ease, creating a standard fit. This design approach ensures the top drapes appropriately across the size range while maintaining consistent proportions.