Tip Topper

Tip Topper by Brian Smith Designs

What Is Being Made

The Tip Topper is a knitted cape or poncho-style garment featuring a geometric construction based on mitred squares. This intermediate-level design creates a sophisticated layering piece that drapes elegantly over the shoulders and torso. The finished garment measures between 26 to 28 inches at its widest point, with individual large squares ranging from 12 to 14 inches depending on size, and a front depth of 17 to 19 inches measured down the centre. Available in three sizes to fit bust measurements of 36–38 inches (Small), 40 inches (Medium), and 42 inches (Large).

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs the mitred square technique, a classic method for creating geometric patchwork effects in knitted garments. Mitred squares are constructed by working decreases toward a central point, creating a distinctive diagonal line that forms the characteristic square shape. The Tip Topper uses this technique to build Squares 1 and 2 as foundational units, which are then assembled to create the overall cape structure. This construction method allows for modular building and creates interesting visual interest through the interplay of decreases and the resulting fabric texture.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with strategic decrease techniques:

• Knit (K): The primary stitch forming the base fabric, worked in garter stitch for texture and structure
• Purl (P): Used selectively within the pattern instructions
• Yarn Forward Slip One Purlwise (Yf sl1pw): Creates an eyelet or decorative element by bringing yarn to the front and slipping a stitch purlwise
• Slip Two Knit Pass (Sl2kp): A centred double decrease worked by slipping two stitches together knitwise, knitting one stitch, then passing the slipped stitches over the knit stitch. This decrease is essential to the mitred square construction, creating the diagonal decrease lines that form the square's centre point

The primary fabric is worked in garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row on both right-side and wrong-side rows. Garter stitch provides a reversible, textured fabric with excellent drape and durability, making it ideal for a garment like a cape or poncho.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: Katia Azteca in Shade 7829 is the specified yarn, an aran-weight yarn requiring 3 balls for Small, 4 balls for Medium, and 4 balls for Large. Aran weight provides a medium thickness ideal for creating structured garments with good stitch definition.

Needles: The pattern calls for 5.5mm needles in two configurations—30cm straight needles for working flat sections and a 40cm circular needle for sections requiring additional stitch capacity.

Notions and Accessories: A stitch marker or waste yarn is essential for marking the centre stitch of each mitred square, allowing you to track the decrease point accurately throughout construction. A tapestry needle is required for seaming and weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 36 rows over 10 centimetres when worked in garter stitch and measured after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is crucial for obtaining the correct finished measurements. After blocking, each large square measures approximately 12 inches (Small), 13 inches (Medium), or 14 inches (Large). The completed garment width at its widest point is 26 inches (Small), 27 inches (Medium), or 28 inches (Large), with a front square depth of 17 inches (Small), 18 inches (Medium), or 19 inches (Large).