Lili Top MODE Collection in Rowan Summerlite PDF

Lili Top – MODE Collection in Rowan Summerlite DK by Quail Studio: Pattern Summary

The Lili Top is a stylish, wearable knitted top from the MODE Collection, designed by Quail Studio and published as a downloadable PDF pattern. Worked in Rowan Summerlite DK, this intermediate-level knitting project produces a classic striped top with a neat neckband finish. The design is sized to fit a wide range of chest measurements, from 71–76 cm (28–30 in) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 in), making it an accessible and inclusive pattern for knitters who want a versatile warm-weather garment.

What Is Being Made

The Lili Top is a pullover-style knitted top constructed in separate pieces — a back and a front — that are seamed together. The finished garment has actual chest measurements ranging from 91 cm (35¾ in) to 171 cm (67¼ in) across the nine sizes, offering generous ease for a relaxed, comfortable fit. The top features a striped colourwork design, a shaped front neck, and a classic shoulder construction with cast-off shaping. A neckband is worked by picking up stitches held on holders at the back and front neck.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Rowan Summerlite DK, a lightweight DK-weight yarn sold in 50 g balls. Two colours are used to create the stripe sequence:

• Yarn A – Sailor Blue (shade 470): required in quantities ranging from 4 to 7 balls depending on size.
• Yarn B – White (shade 465): required in quantities ranging from 2 to 4 balls depending on size.

Rowan Summerlite DK is a cotton-based yarn well suited to warm-weather knitting, offering a smooth stitch definition that showcases both the stripe pattern and the textured rib sections clearly. Its lightweight nature makes the finished top ideal for spring and summer wear.

Needles

The pattern requires one pair of 3¾ mm (UK no. 9 / US 5) needles for all sections of the garment, including the ribbed edging and the main stocking stitch body.

Tension

The stated tension is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm, measured over stocking stitch using 3¾ mm (US 5) needles. Achieving the correct tension swatch before beginning is particularly important across the nine sizes, as stitch count variations will significantly affect the finished chest measurement.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Lili Top draws on a combination of classic knitting stitches and shaping techniques suited to an intermediate-level knitter:

• 2×2 Rib (K2, P2): Used at the cast-on edges to create a neat, elasticated border. The rib begins with a specific stitch count adjusted per size to ensure the pattern sits correctly across all chest measurements.
• Stocking Stitch (St st): The main body fabric of both the back and front is worked in stocking stitch — knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows — which provides a smooth, flat surface that displays the stripe sequence to best effect.
• Stripe Sequence: The top is worked in a two-colour stripe pattern alternating between Sailor Blue (Yarn A) and White (Yarn B). Knitters must carry yarns correctly and keep stripes consistent throughout all shaping sections, which adds a layer of concentration to the project.
• Neck Shaping (Front): The front neck is shaped with a series of decreases — 1 stitch decreased at the neck edge over the next 6 rows, followed by decreases on alternate rows, then on every 4th row — creating a smooth, gradual curve. Stitches for the centre front neck are placed on a holder for later use in the neckband.
• Neck Shaping (Back):