Ladder Stitch Top with Slit Sleeves

Ladder Stitch Top with Slit Sleeves by Pat Menchini

What is Being Made

The Ladder Stitch Top with Slit Sleeves is a women's knitted garment designed by Pat Menchini. This top features a distinctive eyelet yoke detail combined with slit sleeves, creating a contemporary silhouette. The garment is available in six size options, ranging from 76-81 cm to 127-132 cm bust measurements, accommodating sizes 30-32 inches through 50-52 inches. The finished length to shoulder ranges from 59 cm to 66 cm depending on size, with consistent sleeve length of 18 cm across all sizes.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting project incorporates multiple stitch techniques to create visual interest and structure. The primary construction uses stocking stitch, which provides a smooth, classic fabric base for the majority of the garment body.

The defining design feature is the eyelet pattern worked on the yoke. Eyelet patterns are created through yarn overs and decreases that form small decorative holes, often arranged in geometric or flowing designs. This technique adds an elegant, lacy quality to the upper portion of the garment while maintaining structural integrity.

The ladder stitch referenced in the garment name is incorporated into the overall construction, contributing to the top's distinctive aesthetic. The slit sleeves are a key design element, created by strategic shaping and construction methods that leave intentional openings in the sleeve fabric.

Construction involves working flat pieces on straight needles before assembly, with finishing completed using a circular needle for seamless edge work. This hybrid approach combines the control of flat knitting with the efficiency of circular needle finishing.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Ladder Stitch Top with Slit Sleeves is designed to be worked in King Cole Smooth DK yarn, a double knit weight that offers excellent stitch definition for intricate eyelet patterns. The yarn provides 216 metres (236 yards) per 100g ball. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 5 to 7 balls of 100g weight, with the sample shown in White 801.

The pattern specifies two needle sizes to achieve proper fabric tension and structure:

• 3.25 mm needles (UK size 10, US size 3) for ribbed edgings and cuff work, which creates elasticity and a neat finish
• 4 mm needles (UK size 8, US size 6) for main garment construction and the eyelet yoke pattern
• 4 mm circular needle for finishing edges and neckline work

Tension and Gauge

Achieving correct tension is essential for this garment to fit properly. The pattern specifies two distinct tension measurements:

• 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch using 4 mm needles
• 19 stitches and 27 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over the eyelet pattern using 4 mm needles

The difference in stitch count between stocking stitch and eyelet pattern is expected, as the yarn overs in eyelet work create a more open, less dense fabric. Knitters should always test tension with a swatch before beginning the project to ensure the finished garment matches the intended measurements.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex stitch patterns and garment construction. The combination of eyelet patterning, multiple needle sizes, and slit sleeve shaping requires attention to detail and familiarity with reading knitting instructions, but remains accessible to experienced beginners and intermediate crafters.