Reverie Top in MODE at Rowan Cotton DK or Alpaca Haze - Downloadable PDF

Reverie Top by Quail Studio

What is Being Made

The Reverie Top is a knitted garment designed as a versatile everyday top. This pattern offers nine different sizes ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) chest to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches) chest, making it suitable for a wide range of body measurements. The actual chest measurements of the finished garment range from 88 cm (34¾ inches) to 176 cm (69¼ inches), providing options for different fit preferences from close-fitting to relaxed silhouettes.

Knitting Techniques Used

This beginner-friendly knitting pattern employs several fundamental techniques appropriate for knitters developing their skills. The pattern utilizes wrap and turn (W&T) shaping, a technique that creates smooth transitions in the fabric by wrapping stitches around the working yarn before turning the work. This method is particularly useful for creating curved shaping without visible holes or gaps. The pattern also incorporates stockinette stitch as the primary fabric structure, which creates a smooth, flat surface ideal for a refined everyday garment.

Stitches Used

The Reverie Top is constructed primarily using stockinette stitch (st st), the foundation of the garment's smooth texture. Additional stitch techniques include SSK (slip, slip, knit), a left-leaning decrease that pairs with knit stitches to create neat shaping. The pattern also incorporates basic knit stitches (K) for constructing the fabric. A neckband is worked using circular needles, allowing for seamless finishing around the neck opening.

Materials and Tools

The Reverie Top is designed to be knitted in one of two yarn options, both available from Rowan:

• Cotton DK: A sport-weight yarn in 50-gram balls. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 4 balls for the smallest size (71-76 cm) to 10 balls for the largest size (152-157 cm). The pattern is photographed in Cotton DK in the colorway Honey 022.
• Alpaca Haze: A luxurious alternative available in 25-gram balls. This yarn requires 3 to 5 balls depending on size, with the pattern photographed in the colorway Jasmine 014.

Knitting needles required include 4.5mm (US 7) straight needles for the main fabric and 4.5mm (US 7) circular needles measuring at least 60 cm for working the neckband. Additional notions needed are stitch holders for managing stitches during construction and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern is worked to a tension of 20 stitches and 29 rows to 10 centimeters over stockinette stitch using 4.5mm (US 7) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements of the garment.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner level, making it accessible to knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to explore simple shaping techniques. The use of wrap and turn shaping introduces a slightly more advanced technique while remaining manageable for developing knitters.