Rilke Top in Berroco Modern Linen - Downloadable PDF

Rilke Duster and Tank in Berroco Modern Linen: Pattern Summary

The Rilke Duster and Tank is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern designed by Alison Green and published by Berroco. The collection features two complementary garments — a flowing, open-front duster coat and a coordinating tank top — both worked in Berroco Modern Linen, a 100 g DK-weight yarn. The pattern is rated Intermediate in skill level and offers an extensive size range to suit a wide variety of body types.

The Rilke Duster

What Is Being Made

The Rilke Duster is a long, open-front cardigan-style coat with a relaxed, elegant silhouette. It measures a consistent 36 inches / 91.5 cm in length across all sizes, making it a true duster that grazes the lower body. The garment is designed to be worn open, with a 5½–7½ inch / 14–19 cm gap in the front, giving it a graceful, draped appearance. The finished bust measurement ranges from 40 inches / 101.5 cm up to 75 inches / 190.5 cm across 12 sizes, and the pattern recommends approximately 6–12 inches / 15–30 cm of positive ease. The sample shown is knitted in Size 3 (46½" / 118 cm) with approximately 12 inches of positive ease.

Construction Techniques

The Rilke Duster is worked from the bottom up in one piece, which minimizes seaming and helps the stitch patterns flow seamlessly throughout the body. The front and back are divided at the underarm and worked separately. Short rows are used to shape the shoulders, adding a professional, tailored fit without the bulk of traditional bind-off shaping. Once the shoulder shaping is complete, the shoulders are joined using a 3-needle bind-off, a technique that creates a neat, sturdy seam while keeping the work tidy on the right side. A collar is also worked as part of the finishing. The construction approach is well-suited to intermediate knitters who are comfortable working in the round or flat on circular needles and who have some experience with short-row shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Rilke Duster features a structured Stripe Sequence that alternates between two distinct stitch patterns, creating visual rhythm and texture throughout the garment:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The classic knit-on-right-side, purl-on-wrong-side fabric forms the foundation of each stripe repeat. Gauge in stockinette is 20 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm on the larger needle.
• Lace Pattern: An openwork lace section alternates with the stockinette stripes, adding lightness and an airy quality that suits the drapey nature of linen yarn. Gauge in the Lace Pattern is 20 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm on the larger needle.

One full repeat of the Stripe Sequence consists of 16 rows of stockinette followed by 12 rows of Lace Pattern, totaling approximately 4 inches / 10 cm in length, with each individual stripe measuring about 2 inches / 5 cm. This rhythmic alternation gives the finished duster a sophisticated, textural look that is elevated yet approachable for an intermediate knitter.

Materials

The Rilke Duster is knitted in Berroco Modern Linen, a DK-weight yarn sold in 100 g hanks. The sample is shown in #11305 Truffle. Depending on size, the pattern calls for 4 to 7 hanks:

• Sizes 1–3: 4 hanks
• Size 4: 5 hanks
• Sizes 5–7: 5 hanks
• Size 8: 6 hanks