Pearl Top in Rowan Summerlite DK - RM004-00015-UK - Downloadable PDF

Pearl Top in Rowan Summerlite DK by Quail Studio – Pattern Summary

The Pearl Top is a beautifully understated knitted top designed by Quail Studio and published by Rowan (pattern reference RM004-00015-UK). Worked in the lightweight and breathable Rowan Summerlite DK yarn, this design is classified as a Skill Level 1 project, making it an ideal choice for beginner knitters looking to build confidence while creating a wearable, stylish garment. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF.

What Is Being Made

The Pearl Top is a women's fitted or semi-fitted top designed to be worn across a wide range of bust sizes. It features a divided neckline and elegant hem shaping, giving it a polished, contemporary finish suitable for warm-weather wear. The garment is photographed in two colourways — Khaki 461 and White 465 — showcasing its versatility as a wardrobe staple.

Sizing

The pattern is written across five sizes, accommodating a broad range of figures:

• To fit bust: 81–86 cm / 32–34 in, 91–97 cm / 36–38 in, 102–107 cm / 40–42 in, 112–117 cm / 44–46 in, 122–127 cm / 48–50 in
• Actual bust measurement of garment: 96.5 cm / 38 in, 105.5 cm / 41½ in, 116.5 cm / 45¾ in, 125.5 cm / 49½ in, 136.5 cm / 53¾ in

The generous range of sizes makes this pattern accessible to a wide variety of knitters, and the ease built into the garment ensures a comfortable, flattering fit.

Techniques Used

Despite its beginner-friendly skill level, the Pearl Top introduces knitters to several satisfying and practical techniques:

• Short-row hem shaping: The lower hem is shaped using a series of short rows worked over 22 rows, creating a curved or angled hem edge with a professional finish. This technique involves progressively working more stitches across each row before turning.
• Wrap and turn (W&T): Used throughout the hem shaping section, the wrap and turn method prevents holes forming at the turning points in short-row construction. Knitters wrap the next stitch before turning the work, a fundamental short-row technique widely used in garment knitting.
• Reverse stocking stitch (rev st st): After the hem shaping is complete, the body of the top is worked entirely in reverse stocking stitch — that is, with the purl side of the fabric presented as the right side. This creates a softly textured, matte surface that gives the Pearl Top its distinctive tactile quality and visual interest.
• Dividing for the neck: The pattern includes a neck divide, a standard garment construction technique where the stitches are separated to work each side of the neckline independently, shaping the front or back opening.
• Straight knitting: Once the hem shaping is complete, the body is worked straight (without further shaping) until the piece reaches the required length, measured at the centre of the work.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) — used throughout, including during the short-row hem shaping rows
• Purl stitch (P) — used throughout, and forms the right-side fabric in the reverse stocking stitch body
• Reverse stocking stitch (rev st st) — the primary stitch pattern for the body of the garment, achieved by purling on right-side rows and knitting on wrong-side rows
• Wrap and turn — a short-row technique applied during the 22-row hem shaping section

Materials

• Yarn: Rowan Summerlite DK — a DK weight yarn sold in 50g balls. This yarn is specifically designed for warm