Willow Lake

Willow Lake Sleeveless Top by Christina Loman

What is Being Made

Willow Lake is a sleeveless knitted top designed by Christina Loman, perfect for warm summer wear. This garment features a sophisticated silk blend yarn that provides both breathability and a subtle glamorous sheen. The top is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X, with finished chest measurements from 31 inches to 55 inches and lengths from 20 inches to 23 inches. The design is shown modeled in size S.

Design Features and Shaping

This intermediate-level knitting project incorporates thoughtful construction details that enhance the wearer's silhouette. The garment includes short-row shaping at the neckline, a technique that creates a flattering curved neckline without the need for binding off. Waist shaping is integrated throughout the pattern to provide a fitted silhouette that enhances curves. The top features broader shoulders and shallower armholes, offering comfortable coverage in areas where many prefer additional fabric while maintaining the sleeveless, breathable aesthetic ideal for hot weather.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Short-row shaping for neckline construction and fit
• Waist shaping for a tailored, contoured fit
• Seamless knitting using circular and double-point needles
• Stockinette stitch as the primary fabric structure

Stitches and Gauge

The pattern is worked primarily in stockinette stitch, the fundamental knit stitch that creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. The gauge is 19 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. Working at the proper gauge ensures the garment will fit as designed across all seven size options.

Materials and Yarn

Willow Lake is designed to be knitted with Patons Silk Bamboo, a luxurious blend yarn composed of 70% bamboo and 30% silk. This fiber combination offers exceptional breathability from the bamboo content while the silk adds a refined sheen and drape. The yarn is worsted weight, providing good stitch definition and reasonable knitting speed. Yardage requirements range from 408 yards (4 skeins) for size XS to 816 yards (8 skeins) for size 3X, with each skein providing 102 yards at 65 grams. The specified color is Sapphire.

Needles and Notions

This pattern requires US #5/4mm needles in two configurations: one set of double-point needles for working smaller circumferences and one 24-inch circular needle for the body of the garment. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and optional stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction.

Difficulty Level

Willow Lake is rated as an intermediate knitting project. This difficulty level is appropriate for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle shaping techniques such as short-row construction and waist shaping. The combination of seamless knitting, gauge-dependent sizing, and shaping elements makes this an ideal project for developing intermediate knitting competency.