Textured Yoke Top

Textured Yoke Top by Sian Brown

What is Being Made

The Textured Yoke Top is a knitted pullover garment designed by Sian Brown. This top features a distinctive textured yoke detail and is available in eight sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 82cm to 117cm (32 to 46 inches). The finished garment offers a comfortable fit with bust measurements from 84cm to 126cm (33 to 49½ inches), with a length to shoulder of 50cm to 57cm (19¾ to 22½ inches). The short sleeves measure 15cm (6 inches) in length.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This beginner-level knitting project employs fundamental garment construction techniques suitable for knitters new to top-down or seamless construction methods. The pattern utilizes ribbed edgings to create structure and elasticity at the neckline, cuffs, and hem areas. The yoke section features textured stitch patterns that add visual interest and dimension to the upper body of the garment. Strategic increases are worked evenly across rows during the ribbed sections to transition from the fitted ribbed bands to the wider body of the top, a technique that ensures even distribution of shaping throughout the garment.

Stitches Used

The Textured Yoke Top employs essential knitting stitches appropriate for beginner crafters:

• Knit stitch (K): The fundamental stitch used throughout the stockinette stitch sections of the garment body
• Purl stitch (P): Used in combination with knit stitches to create the ribbed edgings and textured yoke details
• Ribbing (K2, P2): A two-by-two rib pattern creates the structured edges at the hem, cuffs, and neckline
• Make 1 (M1): An increase stitch used to add stitches evenly across rows during shaping transitions
• Pass slipped stitch over (PSSO): A decrease technique employed for garment shaping
• Stockinette stitch (St st): The primary fabric stitch worked over the main body sections

Materials and Gauge

The Textured Yoke Top is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, specifically using Debbie Bliss Andes in the shade Aqua 11. The pattern requires 7 to 9 balls of 50g yarn depending on the size selected, with smaller sizes requiring 7 balls and larger sizes requiring up to 9 balls.

Two pairs of knitting needles are required for this project: 3.25mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed sections and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body. The pattern is worked to a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows to a 10cm (4 inch) square over stockinette stitch on 4mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the finished garment to match the intended measurements and fit properly.

Pattern Structure

The garment is constructed in separate pieces, beginning with the back panel. The back section starts with a cast-on of 90 to 138 stitches depending on size, followed by ribbed edging worked on the smaller needles. The ribbing is repeated multiple times to create a structured hem, with even increases worked across the final ribbing row to transition to the wider body section. The pattern then changes to the larger needles and stockinette stitch for the main body, with the textured yoke section providing visual detail in the upper portion of the garment.