Lady Bella

Lady Bella Knitted Top by Liudmyla Babintseva

What Is Being Made

The Lady Bella is a knitted top designed for women, available in seven sizes ranging from XXS to XXL with chest circumferences from 32 inches (81.5 cm) to 44 inches (113 cm). This downloadable knitting pattern provides a versatile garment suitable for intermediate-level knitters seeking a refined, wearable piece.

Craft and Technique Overview

This is a knitting project that employs fundamental knitting techniques combined with shaping methods to create a fitted top. The pattern utilizes stockinette stitch as the primary fabric structure, which creates a smooth, classic appearance ideal for showcasing the delicate qualities of the chosen yarn. The construction involves strategic increases and decreases to achieve proper garment shaping, with the pattern incorporating multiple stitch markers to track different sections during the knitting process.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – used in combination with knit stitches for texture and pattern variation
• Stockinette stitch – the primary fabric created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, refined surface
• Marker placement (slm – slip marker) – essential for tracking increases, decreases, and pattern sections throughout construction
• Increases (М1, М2, М3, М4) – multiple increase methods employed for shaping the garment at strategic points
• Charted stitch patterns – the pattern includes knitting charts read from right to left on right-side rows, allowing for complex stitch pattern integration

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Lady Bella pattern calls for SIŪLAS Lithuanian Linen 3 ply, a premium 100% linen yarn. This yarn is worked with two strands held together throughout the project, effectively creating a DK-weight fabric from the lighter 3-ply base. The yarn specification provides 600 meters (656 yards) per 100 grams (3.5 ounces).

Yarn requirements vary by size:

• XXS: 185 grams (6.5 ounces)
• XS: 200 grams (7 ounces)
• S: 220 grams (7.7 ounces)
• M: 230 grams (8.1 ounces)
• L: 250 grams (8.8 ounces)
• XL: 270 grams (9.5 ounces)
• XXL: 290 grams (10.2 ounces)

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires two needle sizes: 2.75 mm (US2) needles and 3.25 mm (US3) needles, or alternative sizes as needed to achieve proper gauge. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, buttons for closure, and a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Blocking

The target gauge is 24 stitches and 32 rows over 10 by 10 centimeters (4 by 4 inches) in stockinette stitch, measured with 3.25 mm (US3) needles after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit across all seven sizes. Blocking the finished linen top will help even out the stitches and set the fabric structure.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction with shaping, multiple stitch markers, and charted stitch patterns. The use of linen yarn and the requirement to work with two strands together adds a slight technical consideration for yarn management during knitting.