Top + Bottom Top
We could quote plenty of famous creative people.. fashion designers, writers, architects, artists, artisans, musicians… on the importance of paying attention to details. Perhaps the best-known phrase is attributed to German architect Mies Van der Rohe, who probably borrowed his “God is in the details” from someone else, who may have said something slightly different. Whatever the case, the point is, details matter.
So what does this have to do with our Top + Bottom Top? Everything. At first glance, this lovely little pullover, perfect for summer knitting and wearing, looks like just that: a lovely little pullover. Simplicity itself. And it is.
But there are design elements that give our Top + Bottom Top quiet gravitas: the wisp of a hem around the bottom, shoulder seams that skew to the back, and pretty armhole and neckline decreases. It’s the kind of sweater your impeccably stylish friend would own… And you’d want to borrow.
It’s no surprise that Cattail Silk, a yarn spun and dyed in Japan, is knitted throughout, beginning with an ephemeral hem. We used the color Flower Field Gray to make it, then picked up another Japanese beauty, the raw and refined Field Linen in Queen Anne’s Lace, to knit the piece in the round to the underarms. Working the front and back yoke in just the Cattail Silk creates a seamless shift in weight and texture.
Both yarns are available in palettes that complement each other no matter the combination. There are 18 different shades of Cattail Silk and 11 colors of Field Linen to choose from, so pick your favorites and cast on for your summertime Top + Bottom Top!
If you love the yarn used in this project, you’ll love all of our other yarn, too! Explore our 35+ lovingly created yarn collections, in nearly every natural fiber and spectacular color you can imagine… Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn shop!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Laura Ferguson.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoTopAndBottomTop, #PurlSohoCattailSilk, and #PurlSohoFieldLinen. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- Yarn A: 1 (2, 2, 2) (2, 2, 2, 2) skein(s) of Purl Soho’s Cattail Silk, 100% silk. Each skein is 618 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 580 (670, 735, 790) (860, 930, 1005, 1105) yards required. We used the color Flower Field Gray.
- Yarn B: 2 (2, 2, 2) (2, 2, 3, 3) skeins of Purl Soho’s Field Linen, 100% linen. Each skein is 295 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 370 (430, 470, 505) (550, 590, 645, 705) yards required. We used the color Queen Anne’s Lace.
- US 6 (4 mm), 32- or 40-inch circular needles
- US 3 (3.25 mm), 32- or 40-inch circular needles
- US 3, 16-inch circular needles
- Two spare US 3 double pointed needles (optional, for finishing)
- Stitch holders or scrap yarn
- Two removable stitch markers
- A stitch marker
Gauge
- 28 stitches and 32 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch with Yarn A and smaller needles
- 22 stitches and 27 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, holding Yarn A and Yarn B together and using larger needles
Sizes
NOTE For help picking a size, please check out our Understanding Ease + Selecting Size Tutorial!
33¾ (38¼, 42½, 45¾) (50¼, 54½, 57¾, 62¼)
To fit actual chest circumference of 29-32 (33-36, 37-40, 41-44)(45-48, 49-52, 53-56, 57-60) inches, with approximately 2-5 inches of positive ease
- Finished Chest Circumference: 33¾ (38¼, 42½, 45¾) (50¼, 54½, 57¾, 62¼) inches
- Finished Length from Shoulder to Bottom Edge: 22¼ (22¾, 23, 23¼) (23½, 23¾, 24¼, 24¾) inches
- Finished Length from Underarm to Bottom Edge: 14 (14, 13½, 13¼) (13, 13, 13, 13¼) inches
SAMPLE: The top pictured here is size 38¼, worn with 2 inches of ease.
Notes
Construction
You will work this garment in the round from bottom edge to underarms, then divide Front and Back and work each separately.
Special Instructions
Csd (Centered Single Decrease)
NOTE: Visit our Centered Single Decrease Tutorial for more help with this technique.
Slip 2 stitches knitwise, one at a time. Insert left needle into front of two slipped stitches, knit together. Next, insert left needle into second of just-decreased stitches, k2tog (next stitch on left needle and stitch you just picked up). [1 stitch decreased]
K3tog (Knit 3 Together)
Insert right needle into next three stitches and knit together. [2 stitches decreased]
Ssp (Slip, Slip, Purl)
NOTE: Our Purl 2 Together (p2tog) + Slip Slip Purl (ssp) Tutorial describes this decrease in greater detail.
Slip one purlwise, slip one knitwise, replace slipped stitches back onto left needle, p2tog through the back loop. [1 stitch decreased]
Sssk (Slip, Slip, Slip, Knit)
Slip three stitches knitwise, one at a time. Insert left needle into front of slipped stitches and knit together. [2 stitches decreased]
Pattern
Body
With Yarn A, cast 248 (280, 312, 336) (368, 400, 424, 456) stitches onto longer, smaller circular needles. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place marker (pm) and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
Continue in stockinette stitch, knitting each round, until piece measures ¾ inch from cast-on edge.
Change to larger needles and join Yarn B. Continue with Yarns A and B held together.
Decrease Round: *K1, csd (see Special Instructions), repeat from * to end of round. [186 (210, 234, 252) (276, 300, 318, 342) stitches remain]
Continue in stockinette stitch until piece measures 14 (14, 13½, 13¼) (13, 13, 13, 13¼) inches from cast-on edge.
Divide Front + Back
Division Round: Bind off 11 (11, 13, 15) (19, 23, 25, 27) stitches for Right Underarm; k81 (93, 103, 110) (118, 126, 133, 143), place previous 82 (94, 104, 111) (119, 127, 134, 144) stitches onto stitch holders or scrap yarn for Back; bind off 11 (11, 13, 15) (19, 23, 25, 27) stitches for Left Underarm; knit to end of round. [82 (94, 104, 111) (119, 127, 134, 144) stitches remain for Front]
Front
Shape Armholes
NOTE: You will now work back and forth on just the Front stitches, turning the work at the end of each row.
Set-Up Row (wrong side): Purl to end of row.
Cut Yarn B.
Change to shorter, smaller circular needles and continue with only Yarn A.
Row 1 (right side): K1 (1, 2, 0) (2, 1, 2, 0), *knit front and back (kfb), k2, repeat from * to end of row. [109 (125, 138, 148) (158, 169, 178, 192) stitches]
Row 2 (wrong side): P4, purl 2 together (p2tog), purl to last 6 stitches, ssp (see Special Instructions), purl to end of row. [2 stitches decreased]
Row 3: K4, slip slip knit (ssk), knit to last 6 stitches, knit 2 together (k2tog), knit to end of row. [2 stitches decreased]
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 zero (2, 5, 6) (7, 9, 10, 12) more times. [105 (113, 114, 120) (126, 129, 134, 140) stitches remain]
Next Row: Purl to end of row.
Next Row: Repeat Row 3. [2 stitches decreased]
Repeat previous two rows 0 (2, 1, 1) (2, 3, 3, 2) more time(s). [103 (107, 110, 116) (120, 121, 126, 134) stitches remain]
Next Row: Purl to end of row.
Next Row: Knit to end of row.
Next Row: Purl to end of row.
Next Row: Repeat Row 3. [2 stitches decreased]
Repeat previous four rows 1 (2, 1, 1) (1, 0, 0, 0) more time(s). [99 (101, 106, 112) (116, 119, 124, 132) stitches remain]
Continue
Still working on Front stitches only, continue in stockinette stitch until piece measures 5½ (6, 6¾, 7) (7¼, 7½, 8, 8¼) inches from Division Round.
Bind off for Front Neckline
Bind-Off Row (right side): K38 (38, 40, 43) (44, 45, 47, 51), place previous 38 (38, 40, 43) (44, 45, 47, 51) stitches onto stitch holders or scrap yarn for Front Left; bind off following 23 (25, 26, 26) (28, 29, 30, 30) stitches for Front Neckline; knit to end of row. [38 (38, 40, 43) (44, 45, 47, 51) stitches remain for Front Right]
Work Front Right
NOTE: For a clean neck edge, use a Sloped Bind Off.
Set-Up Row (wrong side): Purl to end of row.
Row 1 (right side): Bind off 3 stitches, knit to end of row. [35 (35, 37, 40) (41, 42, 44, 48) stitches remain]
Row 2 (wrong side): Purl to end of row.
Row 3: Bind off 2 stitches, k4, ssk, knit to end of row. [32 (32, 34, 37) (38, 39, 41, 45) stitches remain]
Row 4: Purl to end of row.
Row 5: Bind off 1 stitch, k3, ssk, knit to end of row. [30 (30, 32, 35) (36, 37, 39, 43) stitches remain]
Row 6: Purl to end of row.
Row 7: K4, ssk, knit to end of row. [1 stitch decreased]
Rows 8 and 9: Repeat Rows 6 and 7. [28 (28, 30, 33) (34, 35, 37, 41) stitches remain]
Work 3 rows even in stockinette stitch.
Next Row (right side): Repeat Row 7. [27 (27, 29, 32) (33, 34, 36, 40) stitches remain]
Work even in stockinette until piece measures 9 (9½, 10¼, 10½) (11, 11¼, 11¾, 12) inches from Division Row, ending with a wrong-side row.
Place stitches onto stitch holders or scrap yarn.
Cut yarn, leaving a 20-inch tail.
Work Front Left
With right side facing you and using shorter, smaller circular needles, join Yarn A.
Row 1 (right side): Knit to end of row.
Row 2 (wrong side): Bind off 3 stitches purlwise, purl to end of row. [35 (35, 37, 40) (41, 42, 44, 48) stitches remain]
Row 3: Knit to end of row.
Row 4: Bind off 2 stitches purlwise, p4, p2tog, purl to end of row. [32 (32, 34, 37) (38, 39, 41, 45) stitches remain]
Row 5: Knit to end of row.
Row 6: Bind off 1 stitch purlwise, p3, p2tog, purl to end of row. [30 (30, 32, 35) (36, 37, 39, 43) stitches remain]
Row 7: Knit to end of row.
Row 8: P4, p2tog, purl to end of row. [1 stitch decreased]
Rows 9 and 10: Repeat Rows 7 and 8. [28 (28, 30, 33) (34, 35, 37, 41) stitches remain]
Work 3 rows even in stockinette stitch.
Next Row (wrong side): Repeat Row 8. [27 (27, 29, 32) (33, 34, 36, 40) stitches remain]
Work even in stockinette until piece measures 9 (9½, 10¼, 10½) (11, 11¼, 11¾, 12) inches from Division Round, ending with a wrong-side row.
Place stitches onto stitch holders or scrap yarn.
Cut yarn, leaving a 20-inch tail.
Back
Shape Armholes
With Yarn A and shorter, smaller circular needles, work as for Shape Armholes section of FRONT.
Continue
Continue even in stockinette stitch until piece measures 4 (4½, 5¼, 5½) (6, 6¼, 6¾, 7) inches from Division Round, ending with a right-side row.
Mark first and last stitch of last row worked with a removable stitch marker.
Work 9 more rows in stockinette stitch, ending with a wrong-side row.
Shape Back Shoulders
Row 1 (right side): K4, sssk (see Special Instructions), knit to last 7 stitches, k3tog (see Special Instructions), k4. [4 stitches decreased]
Row 2 (wrong side): P4, p2tog, purl to last 6 stitches, ssp, p4. [2 stitches decreased]
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 eight (8, 8, 9) (9, 9, 10, 10) more times. [45 (47, 52, 52) (56, 59, 58, 66) stitches remain]
Do not cut yarn.
Finishing
Seam Shoulders
Left Shoulder
Slip on-hold Front Left stitches onto a double pointed needle and hold in front of and parallel to Back Shoulder edge. Working from Armhole towards Neckline, use Yarn A and a second double pointed needle to graft Front Left stitches to Back Shoulder by working the stitches on the double pointed needle and picking up into the Back Shoulder and binding off as you go. Here’s how…
… inserting second double pointed needle into first stitch on front needle and under both legs of first stitch at edge of Back Shoulder, marked by removable stitch marker.
Knit together stitch through front needle and Back Shoulder stitches, using 20-inch yarn tail from Front Left.
Repeat these steps, knitting next stitch from front needle together with next stitch along Back Shoulder edge.
Now that you have two stitches on working needle, bind one off.
Continue working Front Left stitches together with Back Shoulder stitches, binding off as you go.
Right Shoulder
Slip on-hold Front Right stitches onto a double pointed needle and graft Front Right stitches to parallel Back Shoulder as for Left Shoulder, working this time from Neckline towards Armhole.
Neckline Edge
With right side of Back facing you and returning to remaining Back stitches, use yarn that is still attached to bind off all Back stitches. Continuing around Neckline, pick up and knit 1 stitch into each row or stitch, binding off as you go.
Armhole Edges
With right side facing you, join Yarn A at center of Underarm and use double pointed needles to pick up and knit 1 stitch into each stitch or row around entire Armhole edge, binding off as you go.
Repeat for other Armhole.
Weave In + Block
Weave in remaining ends and gently wet block.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
I really like the cinnamon bark color in the silk. I am terrible with colors, and of course I am looking at the screen soooo. . . . What color would you pair with it for this top. (I love the top by the way!)
Hi Kimberly,
Thanks for getting in touch! I think that Cinnamon Bark would look most lovely with Wheat Berry. Please do let us know how it turns out!
Best,
Cassy
Just love this pattern and I want to try it with your suggestions however I need one size up from the largest size, so how would I adjust #’s, cast on, dec, inc, etc, and yardage thanx for ur help, btw just finished making 18 yarmulkes with cotton pure for my grandsons bar mitzvah and the trellis wrap in cattail for myself love ur everything ❤️
Hi fran,
Thanks for writing in! We are so glad to hear about your successful yarmulkes and Trellis Wrap! At present, this lovely top is only available in the sizes listed above. We appreciate your suggestion and will certainly take it into account moving forward. If you need just a little more space in the largest size, you could try knitting it at a slightly larger gauge using slightly larger needles. This will change the look and feel of the fabric (it will be more open) but it might be a good place to start if this top speaks to you!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Simply beautiful!
What a lovely top.
If I wanted to use 2 strands of your beautiful Cattail silk together, what size needle (in mm) should I use?
With thanks,
Ros Pearl
Hello Ros,
Thanks for writing in! If you want to substitute the silk for the linen you can stick with the original pattern, which are 3.25mm for when you are knitting with a single strand and a 4.25mm when knitting with two.
I hope this helps!
-Marilla
This is lovely. Do you think the pattern would lend itself to being made quite a bit longer, almost tunic length, or would it then become too full at the bottom hem?
Hi Sherrill,
Thanks for writing in! I think this is a great idea. I would experiment with length and perhaps splitting the front and back to allow for hips.
I hope this helps!
-Marilla
This is gorgeous, but the design is about 2″ too short to be flattering on my long torso. How would I modify this pattern? Simply knit an extra 2″ before the decrease row?
Hello CS,
Thanks for writing us. Yes, you are correct! You can either knit an extra 2″ before the decreases or after the decreases, depending on the look you want.
Let us know if you have any other questions!
-Marilla
So beautiful! I love the Cattail silk in that color! If I wanted to make the top only out of the silk, would I double it for the middle section so that it fits the pattern? Or could I continue with a single skein and skip the decrease when the field linen is normally added?
Hello Elena,
Thanks for writing in! I love this Idea. The easiest way to achieve this would be to hold two strands of silk instead of silk and linen. If you knit it with a single strand of silk you will need to figure out how many stitches to bind off at the underarm.
I hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions!
-Marilla
Ce petit pull est superbe mais avez-vous une traduction en français, car je ne suis pas assez douée en anglais et je ne comprends pas suffisamment les explications.
Merci d’ avance
Yvette
Hi Yvette,
Merci pour votre message! Malheureusement, il n’y a pas d’une traduction en français pour ce pull.
Merci encore,
Cassy
Peut-etre essayez Ravelry Website. Les envoyez une exemplaire. Bonne chance!
Absolutely elegant and gorgeous. Thanks so much. 🙂
I love the Flower Field Gray. Would that work well with the Blue Verbena? It’s so hard to do color matching online! Thanks for your suggestions…
Hi Jill,
Thanks for writing in! You can certainly use Blue Verbena with Field Flower Gray. It will be more of a contrast than you see above but I do think that it would be lovely just the same!
Best,
Cassy
The simple look of this is deceivingly elegant. What experience level is this pattern? I am a beginner. I have knit mostly flat or minimally shaped pieces like scarves or head/neck “muff” type wraps. Is this something I would be able to complete on my own following the directions?
Hello Barbara,
Thank you for writing in! I would recommend trying out the decrease techniques in the notes section of the pattern before jumping in. If you feel confident with these techniques I say go for it! Also if you have any questions along the way we are always happy to help.
Warmly,
Marilla
Love this pattern! I am thinking of Wild Mulberry or Deep Indigo for the silk. Any suggestions for linen colors that would pair well?
Thank you!
Hello Lydia,
For the linen you could try Prairie Clover, queen Annes Lace,or silver thistle, to pair with either the wild mulberry,or the deep indigo.
Best,
Melissa
This top is so intricate and simple at the same time – you just made me place my first order on the Purl Bee ❤️
I love the top. The Mulberry colored silk speaks to me what about a coordinating color in the linen? Any ideas?
Thank you.
Hello Sue,
For a coordinating color in the linen, you could try the Prairie clover or the natural flax.
Enjoy,
Melissa
Thank you so much for sharing this lovely Top-Bottom pattern with us all.
My first question is it easy enough for an advanced beginner and novice intermediate knitter to do?
And finally, would it be possible to pick up stitch around the ‘arm holes to make a short sleeve or cap’ rather than it being sleeveless?
Being that I am rather petite, sleeveless tops tend to make my arms appear that much thinner.
Thank you once again for sharing with us. Always enjoy receiving your Newsletters and seeing what your Team has been creating to entice us to take on another new challenge and project.
Wishing you all a great day! And Happy Knitting 🙂
Hello Sandra,
Thank you for writing in and your kind words! I think you can handle this pattern. If you are feeling unsure you could always try out some of the techniques used in this pattern on test swatches to practice, though I think you will be able to handle it. Plus if you have any questions along the way we are happy to help!
I love the idea of adding cap sleeves- It should be easy enough to pick up and knit a little extra. Let us know how it all goes!
-Marilla
I’m also having a difficult time choosing colors. Does Wood Mouse (silk) look ok with Natural Flax (linen)? If not, what would you recommend for using with the Natural Linen? I”m going for a monochromatic, natural linen look without too much contrast. Thanks!
Hi Sue,
Thanks for writing in! Wood Mouse goes beautifully with the Natural Flax. I think that the combination is quite monochromatic and stunning!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
This is a charming top! I would like to use silver thistle for the linen, but I am having difficulty deciding what light-colored silk would work well. Can you make a recommendation? Thanks!
Hello Julie,
Thank you for writing in! I’m so happy to hear you are going to knit this top. I think that silver thistle would look great with Porcelain White for a lighter subtle contrast or Willow Gray for a darker subtle contrast.
I hope this helps!
-Marilla
Thanks so much! Porcelain White is a strong contender now; I’m also deliberating Wheat Berry and Fallen Leaves as a combo. Decisions, decisions …
I’m in the process of losing weight, so I’d like to make this pattern using stash yarn, then the Cattail once I hit goal. I’m confused about yardage, however. I’m making a large, but can’t imagine that I’d need as much yardage as 2 skeins of Cattail (1200 yds?) for the bottom alone. When I add the 2 of the other (600 yds?) that seems way too much. How can I figure this? thanks. Mary
Hi Mary,
Thanks for writing in! You are correct! We do not use the total 2 skeins of Cattail Silk for the largest size. For the largest size, you will need 880 yards of Cattail Silk and 545 yards of Field Linen. I hope that this helps and best of luck on the project!
Best,
Cassy
Thanks Cassey, but another question: I plan to make the 41.5 size, not the largest, but large (in my head at least!) Would the 880/545 yardage be about the same?
Hi Mary,
Thanks for clarifying! For the 41.5 size, you will need 750 yards of the Cattail Silk and 370 yards of the Field Linen.
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Thanks so much Cassy!
I love this top and have it on my needles right now. I think there is a discrepancy in the number of stitches remaining after the second set of armhole decreases on the front. I’m making the 4th size because I like things loose. After the first set of armhole decreases, I have 117 stitches as stated. Now… pattern says purl next row, then repeat row 4. Then it says to repeat previous two rows 5 more times. It states the stitch count should now be 109. That means that in my size, only 8 stitches were decreased. However, doing Row 4 six times actually results in a decrease of 12, if I’m not mistaken. So, is there an error here? I have looked for errata but not found any. Thanks so much!
Hello Gail,
Thank you for writing in. I’m so happy you are excited to knit this top and thank you for letting us know your concern! I just looked over the pattern and I think I see what went wrong. For the fourth size (41 1/2) You will repeat row 4 3 times not 5. This will get you to the correct stitch count. The 5 row repeat is for the fifth size (44 3/4).
I hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions!
-Marilla
At long last… a summer top that doesn’t require a layer beneath because the armholes are large enough to accommodate THIGHS! Thank you for that…
And thank you for another wonderful pattern. I can barely contain myself not to cast on before my KIP is complete. Soon!
Have a great day… KNITTING!
I love this pattern and am going to give it a try. Question: after knitting the bottom hem it says to “Change to larger needle and join Yarn B. Continue with Yarns A and B held together.” Does this mean you knit the body of the sweater with two strands consisting of both yarns?
Sorry for the probably silly question – I am a relatively new knitter and find that I am not that great at reading patterns!
Hi Barbera!
No Question is a silly question in my book! The pattern is asking you to hold one strand of the cattail silk and one strand of the field linen together so the body of the sweater is knit with the strands held doubled.
I hope this helps!
Carly
I am now about four inches in on this project and it is so pretty. However the “stockinette curl” is driving me nuts. I know blocking will address this when I’m done but any suggestions on how to reduce the curl while I’m knitting?
Hello Barbara,
Thank you for reaching out! As you continue knitting the curling, hopefully, will become a little less annoying as the the fabric becomes a heavier. The only other thing i can think of is to pin it back if it is really frustrating you. I hope this is helpful- please let me know if you have any further questions!
-Marilla
Just started this lovely sweater. The stockinette curl is also driving me crazy. Can anyone tell me how long this goes on?
Hi Kim,
Thank you for reaching out! I hear you, curling can be very frustrating as you are working on your project. In my experience with this top, it only curled in the very beginning and then as it got longer it stopped being an issue. If it continues to cause issues you could try submerging the bottom of the top in water to relax the fibers, which will stop the curling.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
So excited about this top, because I recently saw someone wearing an interesting tank with what looked like yarn held doubled across the midsection and wanted to recreate it!
One question… How would I go about creating a deeper neckline?
Hello Linder,
What perfect timing! Changing the neckline will take a bit of trial and error. I would experiment with dividing for left front and right front earlier on. I would then cast off less stitches in the middle and add some decreases of each side. Thank you for your question and let me know how it goes!
-Marilla
would black willow and black ink look good together? or maybe that defeats the purpose of the beautiful pattern! thanks for any suggestions you might have.
Hello Julie,
Thanks for writing in! I love this idea. It will have a subtle contrast with flecks of lighter tones from the field linen. I say go for it!
-Marilla
do you think the pattern would adjust to your linen quill yarn? I would love to try it in the kiln red and oatmeal. Any recommendations? thank you.
Hello Michele,
Thanks for the question! I think this would be lovely in Linen Quill. I would still knit up a gauge swatch before jumping into the project, But Linen Quill and Cattail Silk have a very similar gauge. Let me know if you have any further questions!
-Marilla
Good morning! I, like everyone else in the world, it seems, think this top is exceptionally elegant. I greatly look forward to trying it! Do you think Lavender Daybreak and Prairie Clover will be a harmonious pair of yarns? Thank you for everything you offer us here!
Hello Sue,
I apologize for the delayed reply, I think those two colors would be quite lovely together. They have a very light and airy quality to them. Have a fantastic time knitting.
Best,
Melissa
Thanks so much, Melissa — I appreciate having your eye!
Hi wondering if it is possible to do this pattern entirely in linen, no silk. I know two strands linen would make it heavier, but could you adjust down with the needle size? stitches? thanks.
Hello Julie,
Thanks for writing us! Because the Cattail Silk and Field Linen have the same gauge this should work fine. You will just end up with a different texture. Let us know how it goes!
Warmly,
Marilla
It is very generous of you to give out this elegant pattern for free (and I notice so many other patterns, too: knitting, quilting, sewing). Some of us are not in the position of buying luxurious yarns (for now), but that does not mean we can’t appreciate great designs and figure out alternative resources to create and be creative. Thank you!
May the good karma returns back to you many-many-many times.
What co on method do you recommend for the top?
Hello Debbie,
Thanks for writing in! I would recommend a long tail cast on.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello — How would you suggest the gauge swatch be knit up? Should we do one in the round AND one in rows to get the correct gauge for the yoke? The yarn is gorgeous but pricey so I don’t want to use any more of it than I have to for swatches. Thank you!
Hello Sarah,
Thank you for reaching out! I totally get your concern. I don’t think you will need to knit a swatch flat as well as in the round for your single strand swatch. Your tension shouldn’t vary to drastically. If you are worried you could always knit a swatch in the round and then unravel that swatch and knit it flat.
I hope this clears things up and please let me know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Thanks for the pattern! I’m in the middle of making the sweater but the edge is curling up quite a bit (like knitting in stockinette does). Any tips? I know blocking will help a bit, but from my experience it doesn’t last that long. I was considering picking up some stitches and making a hem at the bottom, but I’m not sure if that will help. Any tidbits you have would be really helpful. Thank you!
Hello Stephanie,
Thank you for your question! I know the stockinette curl can be a bit annoying as you are working through your project, but blocking should eliminate the curl. If you are concerned with the curling, I would suggest wet blocking the work in progress while still on the needles and see if that helps. To do so, fill a basin with warm water submerge the item in the water and leave for at least 15 minutes. Remove the item and gently squeeze out the water, being careful not to wring it. Lay it out on a dry towel, using your hands to push it into the desired finished shape and leave to dry.
I hope this is helpful and please let me know if you have any further questions!
Warmly,
Marilla
Thank you very much, I’ll give that a try!
Hi,
I was in Nyc one month ago, and visited your shop. I follow your newsletters at home in Barcelona, and it was exciting to visit you personally. I bought the skeins Cattail Silk and Field Linen and I’m now trying to follow the pattern.
I have knitted a bit more of 10cm of the body in the smallest size (starting with 240 stitches with 3cm circular needles and now 180 stitches with the larger needles (4cm).
I’m a bit surprised because it looks very large. In fact the round measures 124cm (nearly 49in) though in your scheme above you have noted that the size should be 32 3/4in.
What’s going wrong? Should I restart? Must I work with smaller needles? or knit less stitches?
Thankyou for your answer
Best regards
Bea
Hello Bea,
I’m thrilled to hear you had such a lovely time in our shop- thank you for visiting us! I’m sorry you are having this frustrating experience… from what you have said it sounds like a gauge issue. Unfortunately this means starting again. I recommend knitting a gauge swatch with one or two(whichever gives you the correct gauge) sizes down in needle size. Once you have achieved the correct gauge you will get the correct measurements. I hope this all makes sense! Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Warmly,
Marilla
I love this pattern and I am getting ready to knit it. But I would like to know if I can make front and back separately with straight needles since I am not comfortable working with circular needles. I thought I can then continue with the directions for the arm hole, shoulder, and neck shaping for the front and the back separately. And then sew the sides together. I am still reading the directions and trying to figure out if it is possible to do so. Thanks.
Hello Elisabetta,
Thank you for reaching out! I don’t see why not. You would just divide front and back and just knit each side in stockinette. I hope this lears things up and if you have any further questions please let me know!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Question regarding prep of swath: Do you recommend pre-soaking both fibers before knitting swatch, especially Field Linen to soften it up? Should I wet-block/totally soak my swatch? How much do these fibers loosen up? Unblocked, my swatch count is: Yarn A (silk) 13×22=2″ size 2 ( which would mean I should drop to size 1?! Yikes!) And for Yarn A+B 11×14=2″ size 4. This makes fabric tight/thick feeling. Concerned about drape. Also, my bust size 40. I am thinking I should make 3rd size w/in parenthes ?
Hello Patricia,
Thank you for your question. This all sounds correct. Your single stand section will be slightly more open than the two strand section, which will be a denser fabric. You could pre soak your linen, though it is not necessary. You are correct- As you wear and wash your top it will become softer. I think the size 41 1/2 sounds good- because there is little stretch going slightly larger rather than slightly smaller is a smart choice. I hope this all helps and please let me know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Hi there I have chosen the shade Lavender Daybreak for the Cat Tail Silk component but am struggling with what I would match it up with in the Field Linen yarn. Can you assist – my first instinct was whatever the off-white colour is but I am really unsure. Could you make a suggestion for me please. My alternative thought was just to get more of the silk and use 2 strands of silk instead of the combination of fabrics. Lisa x
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for writing in! You certainly can use just the Cattail Silk, holding in doubled in the places where we used Field Linen. I have seen a few of these and they are lovely as well. I am also happy to recommend either the Prairie Clover for a more subtle look or Queen Anne’s Lace for a more contrasting look.
Either way, I think that you will have a lovely top!
Cassy
Hello,
Thank you for this beautiful free pattern. I just finished it, it was a very fun knit and everything went well, up until the last step: «Continue around the Neckline, picking up 1 stitch into each row or stitch and binding off as you go.»
Which I did, but the result was a much smaller stiff collar, not stretchy at all and too tight to fit my head through. I had to undo it. Did I pick up, knit and bend off too tight? How do I make sure that it is stretchy enough? Thank you in advance!
Hi Lucie,
Thanks for writing in! I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulties! It could certainly be that you are binding off a touch too tight. I would suggest going up a needle size or two when binding off the neckline. This will mean that you have a touch more room in your bind off, creating a neckline with more room. Silk has little to no stretch so being a bit loose here is probably your best option!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Cassy, thanks for the tip! I took a needle size 7 and it worked perfectly. I live in Montreal and I worked with another brand of yarn I bought here. The gauge was the same, but maybe it was less stretchy. This one I made for my daughter, now I plan on knitting one for me (and I also plan a trip to NY so I will stop by your shop to buy the right yarn)!
Lucie
I am thinking about giving this sweater a try. I love the silk in the colors in the sample. The Queen Anne’s Lace color looks speckled in the sweater pictures but when you go to buy the yarn it looks like solid cream color. Could you clarify how the field linen looks? If it is solid cream color, is there a different color that is speckled in the linen yarn that matches the cattail silk in the sample?
Thanks so much,
Karen
Hello Karen,
Thank you for reaching out! Our Field Linen in Queen Anne’s Lace is a cream color, while the Cattail Silk is Speckled in Flower Field Gray.
I hope this clarifies things for you!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Thanks Marilla,
That’s how it looked to me. The field linen must have changed because the sample in the photos clearly shows that both yarns used have a tweed or speckled look. I think I’ll try a different color for the bottom, maybe the light blue.
Best,
Karen
Hi Karen,
Thanks for writing back! I think that I can help! On the bottom portion of this sweater, we hold the solid colored Field Linen together with the speckled Cattail Silk, knitting them together as a single yarn for this portion of the top. This gives a marled effect and you will see the lovely speckling from Cattail Silk appear along with the Field Linen! It is a fun effect that we think works well here and makes the speckling of the Cattail Silk a bit more subtle in the body of the top!
I hope that this clears things up!
Cassy
I would so much love to knit this top and with your suggested yarn, but I live in Spain and delivery to here will cost almost as much as the wool. Can you recommend any other yarn i can use that i can buy here or in the UK. many thanks Denise
Helle Denise,
Thank you for reaching out- it is always thrilling to hear from people abroad! I hear you with the shipping costs- Unfortunately I’m not well versed in specific european brands, but I will say that most fingering weight ( or 2ply) yarns should work for this pattern. We used a silk and linen, but as long as you are getting the correct gauge the fiber content does not need to be exact.
I hope this is helpful and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Can this be made in a longer length, and with only the linen, for a more ‘casual’ look? How would pattern change and how many skeins would it take?
Thanks!
Hi Kristin,
Thanks for writing in! Although you would have to do two gauge swatches, this top should work in just the Field Linen! You would still have to hold it doubled for the body and single for the yoke, but Field Linen does knit to the same gauge as Cattail Silk. You would need 3 (4, 4, 4, 5, 5) skeins of Field Linen to knit the top without Cattail Silk.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Or….. could I make the Ravelry/”Mimic” sweater in the linen, and how much would I need?
Thanks again!
Veronika Jobe’s Ravelry Store
Craft
Knitting
Category
Sweater → Pullover
Published
December 2014
Suggested yarn
YOTH Yarns Big Sister
Yarn weight
DK (11 wpi) ?
Gauge
15 stitches and 34 rows = 4 inches
in Ribbing Pattern
Needle size
US 9 – 5.5 mm
Yardage
985 – 1250 yards (901 – 1143 m)
Sizes available
S/M (L/XL)
Hi Kristin,
It is hard to say if the Field Linen would work for this pattern – Field Linen on its own is fingering weight, and doubled acts more like a worsted weight yarn, and this pattern calls for a DK weight yarn. However, it does use a needle much larger than you would normally use with a DK weight yarn, so you might be able to get the correct gauge, but I can’t really say for sure. The best way to find out would be to knit and block a gauge swatch!
Best,
Julianna
Hello, I love this except I prefer wide neck openings. Do you think it would be possible to modify the pattern so that the neck opening is a bit wider, and the shoulder seams a bit narrower? Thanks so much!
Hi Pastille,
Thanks for writing in! The shoulder construction of this top makes modifying the neckline a bit tricky, but it should be possible with some trial and error! If you don’t mind the neckline being lower as well as wider, I would start the neck bind off an inch or so earlier and continue working the neck shaping and decreases for a few more rows until the shoulders are your desired width, and then continue working straight to the same length given in the pattern.
To make the back shoulder seam line up, you will need to work the same number of rows in the shoulder section as stitches you have left on each of the fronts – for instance, for the smallest size, we had 25 stitches left on the fronts after all shaping was complete, and worked 25 rows from the marked row in the “Shape Armholes – Continue” section. If you are left with fewer stitches on the two fronts, you will have to place your marker that many rows later on the back. You should then be able to follow the joining instructions as written!
I hope that helps! Please let us know how it turns out!
Julianna
I have 2 questions. 1)I would like to use Cattail Silk for both top and bottom. I would like to use Blue Bamboo and Thin Cloud Gray, Blue for the top and gray on the bottom (I think). Do you think this combo will work or should I use Flower Field Gray instead?
2) I live in Texas where it’s very hot. I don’t think I want to double strand the top part. Will that still work?
Hi Trinh,
Thanks for writing in! I think Blue Bamboo would look lovely with either Thin Cloud Gray or Flower Field Gray! The main thing to consider would be the amount of contrast you prefer – Blue Bamboo is closer in tone to Flower Field Gray so the distinction between the two colors would be more muted and gentle, while the Thin Cloud Gray would create a more striking effect, especially in the marled section.
The bottom of the top is actually the double stranded portion, and since it is knitted on a different size needle and at a completely different gauge than the single stranded section, it will take a few pattern adjustments. After casting on, you would stay on the smaller needles and omit the decrease row, then continue working straight until the armholes. You will have to play around a bit with the armhole cast off and decreases, but I think if you cast off 15 stitches for each armhole and again omit the increases and needle size change, you should be able to continue the rest of the pattern as written!
Best of luck, and please let us know how your version turns out!
Julianna
I would like to make this top in all silk, no linen, using the same color (Flower Field Gray) for both top and bottom. Two questions: 1) Are there any issues I should consider before committing to this change? And (2) how much of the silk should I order? Thanks very much for your guidance!
Hello Norms,
Thank you for reaching out! I knit this tank top using just our Cattail Silk and was very happy with the results. Depending on which size you are knitting you will need 2 to 3 skeins. I would, as always, knit up a little gauge swatch before jumping in.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Marilla, when you knitted this top in all silk, did you double the silk on the bottom part, or just make the needle size change? Thank you again!
Hi Norma,
Thanks for writing in! You will still need to hold Cattail Silk doubled for the bottom part of the top in order to achieve the correct gauge.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hello,
This is a beautiful, elegant top. I have had to give up handknitting and am learning to knit on a loom. Do you know if this pattern can be converted to a fine guage knitting loom pattern? Would you have any patterns for loom knitting? Thank you.
Marisajane
Hello Marisa,
Thank you for reaching out! I must admit, I’m not very experienced in loom knitting so I will answer this question as best I can. From what I know I think the part of this pattern where you are switching from one gauge to another would prove difficult if you were knitting it on a loom. Our Drawstring Camisole might be easier for you to convert because it has less complicated stitches that go into it. I hope this is helpful and happy knitting!
-Marilla
What color would you pair with cattail silk dark indigo?
Hello Diane,
This is a great question! I think that that the Dark Indigo would look beautiful in the Silver Thistle for a high contrast or Black Willow for a Subtle contrast . Both of these colors are in our Field Linen.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
How would this garment look in Field linen alone?
Hi Mari,
Thanks for writing in! This top works great in just Field Linen! You would still have a lighter weight fabric at the top and a medium weight fabric on the bottom since you would be doubling Field Linen, and you could either create a solid colored version by using two strands of the same color or mimic the marled effect of the original top by choosing two different colors of Field Linen for the body.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi
Love the Top + Bottom Top. I think I’d like to use the cattail indigo. What color would you recommend as a complement?
Hello Diane,
Thank you for reaching out! I think that the Silver Thistle, in Field Linen, could be a lovely contrast to the Indigo, or alternatively Black Willow could be a slightly more subtle contrast. I think either choice will come out beautifully.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
Marilla
Hi, I love this sweater and am looking forward to finishing. However, I’m stuck at the beginning. It says to change to larger needle and continue with yarns A and B together. Do I just knit one round with both yarns and then do the decrease round?
Thanks, Becky
Hello Becky,
Thank you for reaching out! This is a great question, when you begin to knit with both strands it is your decrease row, so once you switch your needles and join yarn B you will begin your decreases row.
I hope this clears things up and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Thank you. That is very helpful.
Hello,
I was in your shop in May when visiting NYC and bought the cattail silk in rabbit ear pink unsure of how I planned to use it. Now home and with time to knit I am interested in purchasing the field linen for the Top + bottom pattern. Can you advise as to which colors would look best? The queen anne’s lace or silver thistle? It is difficult for me to determine whilst looking at the screen.
Thank you for your time!
Marina
Hi Mariana,
Thanks for reaching out! I think that the best match for Rabbit’s Ear would be the Queen Anne’s Lace. It has a bit of a warmer cast that compliments the Rabbit’s Ear and I think would make for a lovely tank!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Thank you Cassy!
Hi. I’m making this top and love working with the yarns. They are so beautiful. Made the second largest size after measuring and now as I’m almost finished, Ifind that it’s too big, especially around the armholes. Before I undo the entire thing I would like to know if there is any shrinkage when washed and do the armholes tighten up much when they are properly finished. I would hate to undo the entire top but I love the yarn and want it to fit properly. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Hello Kathryn,
Thank you for reaching out- oh no! Unfortunately, for your situation, this yarn has little to no shrinkage. Sadly I think you will have to rip out if you need a smaller size. I know this is always a challenge to face, but it will be worth it for the garment to fit correctly.
I hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions!
-Marilla
Hello. My gauge swatch is too small when I use a size 3 needle, so I need to bump up to a size 4. In this case, what change do I need to make to the larger needle? Do I just go up one size to a 7, or do I go to an 8 (doubling the 4)?
Thank you!
Hello J,
Thank you for reaching out! If you are going up to a size 4, I would go up to a size 7 for the body of the top.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I would like to make this sweater with the cattail silk in blue bamboo. What color do you suggest to go with it in the linen? What is the difficulty level of this pattern. I am an average knitter.
Thank you! Debra
Hello Debra,
Thank you for reaching out! I think that Blue Bamboo would look beautiful with either Queen Anne’s Lace or Blue Verbena. In terms of level, I think this top is appropriate for an advanced beginner/ Intermediate. If you are feeling unsure you could always try out some of the techniques used in this pattern on test swatches to practice, though I think you will be able to handle it. Plus if you have any questions along the way we are happy to help!
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I would like to knit this sweater with the field linen Wheat Berry. What color of cattail silk do you suggest to go with it?
Hello Claudia,
Thank you for reaching out! I think this could be nice with either Golden Oak or Rabbit-Ear for a pink contrast.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Thanks, Marilla! I have the same question for field linen Blue Verbena. I planned to mix it with Blue Bamboo, but I’ afraid it is out of stock. Could be Patina Blue or Moon White good options?
Hello Claudia,
Thank you for reaching out! I think that Patina Blue would be lovely knit up with Blue Verbena!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
I am looking forward to knitting this top. I’m just doing the gauge swatch now with cattail silk and used a knitted cast on. The bottom hem is too loopy and loose. What cast on do you recommend so that it comes out looking like the photo. I am a beginner/intermediate knitter. Thanks!
Hi Laura,
Thanks for writing in! We use a Long Tail Cast On for most of our projects – it provides a stable yet elastic edge that is quite attractive and works great for garments! A Cable Cast On would also be suitable, and would not have the loose appearance of a knitted cast on.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Thanks! I’ll try the cable cast on, which I like very much. I can never calculate the correct amount of yarn for the long tail.
Hi, Is it possible to make this pattern with both yarns for the entire pullover? How would I calculate for the armholes and neckline decreases if so?
Thank you so much
Erica
Hi Erica,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, changing this pattern to be worked in the larger gauge throughout would require extensive pattern alteration which we are unable to do in the comments. If you would like to take a stab at it yourself, our Over-the-Top Top is written for the same larger gauge, so although the construction is different, you may be able to find some guidance on how many stitches to cast off and decrease for the neckline.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Thank you, Julianna. I managed it! Loved the result!
Is it possible to add sleeves..love the pattern ..but must have sleeves !
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for reaching out! While we don’t have instructions for adding sleeves to this top, you might find some inspiration from our Striped Summer Top. Since they are worked at a similar gauge, I think you could possibly follow the armhole instructions from the Striped Summer Top while working the neckline instructions for the Top + Bottom Top to create sleeves with a nice dropped shoulder!
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Thanks Julianna. I ordered the porcelain white to go with the natural flax. I received my package today and I am very happy with that combo. The porcelain is more of a light beige and goes really well with the flax. Can’t wait to get knitting.
Carolyn
on page 12 there are several purl rows in the pattern from the arm pit to the neckline, but when looking at the photo, it’s all stocking stitch. If we were using long needles, this would make sense, but the pattern only calls for circular needles. Am I supposed to switch to straight needles even tho they are not listed in the materials?
Hi Alyson,
Thanks for reaching out! Although the majority of the top is knitted in the round, when starting the front yoke and armhole shaping, there is a note that you will no longer be working in the round and will be working back and forth in rows for the following few sections. This can still be done on circular needles so there is no need to switch to a different type of needle even though you won’t be working in the round.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
I made this top using the cinnamon bark and wheat berry combination, and I love the fit of the top. Would you tell me whether this top can be made using wool yarn?
Thanks.
Hi Claudette,
I’m so glad that you are happy with your finished top! You could certainly make this with wool as long as you match the gauge in the pattern. I would suggest trying Linen Quill as a substitute for Cattail Silk and Line Weight instead of Field Linen!
Best,
Julianna
Thank you so much!!
I’ve had my eye on this pattern for awhile and can’t decide to go with colors as is or change it to Field linen Natural flax and don’t know which woul go better on top, CatTail porcelain white or Moon white. It’s hard to tell from the photos. Which is a warmer color?
Hi Carolyn,
Thanks for reaching out! Most of the colors of Field Linen and Cattail Silk coordinate quite well, so it’s hard to go wrong! Both Moon White and Porcelain White have warm undertones, but the warmth is more pronounced in Porcelain White. It is also a few shades darker than Moon White, so I think it might be a better match with Natural Flax.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
hi purl,
i love this pattern! thank you for sharing it. but unfortunately i’m not a fan of silk. could it work to use linen quill for the bottom and field linen for the top? or vice versa? if not, could you just switch the cattail silk for the bottom and field linen for the top?
many thanks,
beth
Hi Beth,
Thanks for writing in! Cattail Silk, Field Linen, and Linen Quill all knit up to the same gauge, so they are quite easy to interchange in this top! You should always knit a gauge swatch just to be sure, but you could use either all Linen Quill, held double for the bottom portion and held single for the top, or use a strand of Field Linen and a strand of Linen Quill for the bottom and a single strand of either for the top.
Best of luck and I hope that helps!
Julianna
Do you suggest a wooden needle rather than metal due to the yarns being slippery ?
Thanks for your time.
Hello Debbie,
Thank you for reaching out! This top can be knit up with either metal or bamboo. I would say that Cattail Silk is not as slippery as many other silk yarns.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I’m working on this beautiful blouse in “Natural Flax” Field Linen and “Greenfinch Yellow” Cattail Silk. It’s so pretty! My only concern is that I feel I may not have enough Cattail Silk. I’m about 2″ up on the front where using only Silk begins and my yarn supply seems really low. I’m doing the second smallest size (35) and bought one skein of the Silk as indicated in the pattern. Should I be concerned? (-might I have walked out of the store with only 1/2 of the skein wound up??)
The weight of the remaining Silk yarn is about 15 grams (or 1/2 ounce). Thank you!
Hello Kirsten,
Thank you for reaching out! Do you have access to a scale? I would weigh out all of the silk that you have in grams and write to [email protected] letting them know about your situation.
Good luck and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I’ve been eyeing this pattern for a few months, and just saw the shawl you posted in the linen quill. I’m wondering if the linen quill would work on this instead of the Field Linen? There’s so many more color choices.
Hello JoAnn,
Thank you for reaching out! You could use Linen Quill, but with the wool and Alpaca content will give you a fluffier texture.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
What color would work with the Willow Tea in the Field Linen. (I’m deciding against the wool content % in the Linen Quill for a summer top)
Hello JoAnn,
Thank you for reaching out! I think that Silver Thistle or Blue Verbena would be stunning with Willow Tea.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
On the below section relating to back stitches—-am I breaking yarn to do two right rows consecutively and two wrong rows consecutively.?
CONTINUE
Continue evenly in stockinette stitch until piece measures 4 (4¼, 4½, 5, 5¼, 5½) inches from Underarm, ending with a right (wrong, right, right, wrong, wrong)-side row.
Hi Tammy,
Thanks for writing in! This step is indicating that the ending row will be different depending on what size you are knitting – for instance, if you are knitting the smallest size, you will end with a right side row. If you are knitting the second smallest size, you will end with a wrong side row, and so on.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Ciao potete spiegarmi nel pattern cosa significa( wrong , right, right, wrong, wrong) – side row ? Sono bloccata a questo punto è non riesco a proseguire…..
Hi Eleanora,
Thanks for writing in! In this case, the “wrong side” refers to the inside of the shirt (which should look like purl bumps) and the right side refers to the outside of the shirt (which will look like stockinette stitch with the v’s).
The step you’re on is indicating that the ending row will be different depending on what size you are knitting – for instance, if you are knitting the smallest size, you will end with a right side row. If you are knitting the second smallest size, you will end with a wrong side row, and so on. If you’re not sure which you should be on, just let us know your size and we’d be happy to clarify!
All the best,
Zha Zha
Hello!
I was wondering what cast-on method would be the best for this top.?
Thank you!
Hello Mary,
Thanks for reaching out! We used a Long Tail cast on for this top.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi there, I’m interested in making this in the colours specified but I’m wondering why in the photos of the completed top the Field Linen in Queen Annes Lace is a flecked yarn but the photos of the skein appear to be a plain cream colour. Could you please clarify for me which photo is more accurate. (I really love the look of the two flecked yarns together)
Thanks
Hi Helen,
Great question! For this lovely top, two different yarns are used; Cattail Silk and Field Linen. The Cattail Silk color that we used is flecked and the Field Linen is the plain cream color. For the very bottom and the top of the garment, the Cattail Silk is used and for the body, the Cattail Silk is held with the Field Linen giving the whole top a flecked look!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi there!
If I only wanted to use a single strand to knit the bottom half, would I use a light worsted or DK?
Hi Lee,
Thanks for reaching out! You could probably use either a light worsted or DK weight yarn as they are fairly similar, but I would definitely recommend knitting a gauge swatch to make sure your chosen yarn will work!
Best,
Julianna
I have two skeins of Cattail Silk in color Golden Oak and am trying to figure out which color I should use in the Field Linen would look the best.
Thanks!
Hi Debra,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend using Field Linen in Natural Flax along with Golden Oak. Both colors share warm undertones so I think they will look lovely together!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I have the Field Linen in Black Willow. With what Cattail Silk color would coordinate best? Looking forward to a summer sweater to wear in the South!
Thank you,
Helen
Hi Helen,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend adding Cattail Silk in Flower Field Charcoal to match Black Willow. However, if you are looking for a bit of color, I think it would be really pretty to add a dark color like Pine Needle Green or Wild Mulberry!
Best,
Julianna
What color would be likely to combine well with Ink Blue in Field Linen? I assume that using linen and linen would result in less drape in the finished sweater. Is that correct?
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for asking about this! Yes, you’re correct, using all linen would result in less drape in the yoke section of the sweater. I love the contrast of the two textures in this tank top and wouldn’t want to change that! I think the Deep Indigo Cattail Silk would look lovely with the Ink Blue Field Linen. The light specks in the Cattail Silk would almost add a sparkling effect. I hope this helps!
Happy Knitting!
Cassandra
I really like your material and the patterns.
I will be getting in touch with you later, once this world wide situation settles down.
Regards
Catherine Aquilina
I am between sizes 38 1/4 and 41 1/2 and my bust measurement is approximately 37″ depending on the bra I am wearing. I usually wear a size medium (US size 10) on top. What would your size recommendation be if I plan to knit this in all silk (no linen)?
Many thanks!
Hi Ana,
Thanks for writing in! Since you are right between sizes, you could choose either one, depending on whether you would like the top a bit on the tighter side or the looser side. Another way to decide is to measure a shirt or top that you already own and like the fit of and compare it to our finished measurements. This will help you get a better idea of how the finished top will fit!
Best,
Julianna
Hello! This is a wonderful and challenging pattern for me as a beginning-intermediate knitter. Thanks to youTube tutorials, I have only made a few mistakes. However, I am now stuck. I am beginning the Back Yoke section. It says to continue only with Yarn A and Work as for Shape Armholes section of Front Yoke. That section says to Purl a row with both yarns on the larger needles, then cut one yarn and change to smaller needles. Am I supposed to ignore the 2 yarns and larger needles part and just Purl with one yarn on the smaller needles?
Thanks!
Hi J J,
Thanks for reaching out! For the Back Yoke, you will be returning to the stitches you placed on hold when you cast off for the underarms and separated the front from the back of the sweater, and the on-hold stitches should still be in both strands of yarn. To repeat this section, you will rejoin both yarns to the held stitches with the wrong side facing and then follow the instructions exactly, beginning by purling one row with both yarns, and then cutting Yarn B to continue in just Yarn A.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
hi,
i’m thinking about making this in a cropped version, around 17 inches long from the shoulder. if i were to make it in size 35 or 38¼ would i still need two skeins of the field linen, or could i get away w one?
thanks!
Hi Tatyana,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend still buying two skeins to be safe but leaving 1 unwound! In the event you don’t end up using it you can return it to us for store credit within 6 months!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
Hello,
I can’t seem to get the same number of stitches as the first decrease row. K1, csd repeated for the whole round should result in 1/3 fewer stitches. Therefore 66% of 304 is approximately 201 stitches, not the 228 stitches the pattern says I should have arrived at. Please tell me what I am doing wrong.
Thank you.
Hi Dorothy,
Thanks for reaching out! The pattern is correct as written, after completing the decrease row: K1, CSD, repeating till the end of the row you should be left with 228 stitches! I would double check that when working the decrease you are only decreasing one stitch each time. This decrease is a bit more complicated so you may be decreasing more than one stitch at a time leaving you with less stitches.
I hope this helps and please feel free to reach out with any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
I really like this pattern and am wondering if you think it will work to knit it in wool and/or cotton, as opposed to silk and linen. Let me know if you have any suggestions on other fibers that would work well with this pattern. Thank you!
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for reaching out! You could use any 2 fingering weight yarns for this pattern! You could use anything from wool or cotton to silk and linen as long as it is a fingering weight! I would recommend checking out all of our Fingering Weight yarns! If you do decide to use a different yarn that the pattern, I always recommend working a gauge swatch prior to beginning to insure that you are consistent with the pattern!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hello
I have a skein of the cattail silk in pale rose. Can you please recommend a color for the field linen that would go well with the pale rose for this top ? I am thinking of the following field linen colors: Queen Anne’s Lace, Silver Thistle . Trowel Gray?..
Appreciate your input😊
Hi MayLing,
Thanks for writing in! Pale Rose is such a pretty color! I think that will be perfect for this top, and I agree with your pairing ideas, I think either Silver Thistle, Queen Anne’s Lace, Trowel Gray, or even Natural Flax would be beautiful!
Please let us know how this turns out, happy knitting!
Gianna
I made this top recently in Queen’s Anne Lace in Field Linen and Flower Field Gray in Cattail Silk. My mom liked this top so much she asked me to make her one but she wants some bolder colors. After looking online, she came up with Fallen Leaves in the Silk and Warm Copper in Field Linen. She does not want these to match in tone exactly but I am wondering if these are a good fit—-so difficult to tell online. Thanks!
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for reaching out! I think Fallen Leaves and Warm Copper will be an absolutely beautiful combination!
Please let us know how this turns out, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi: I just swatched the 2 yarns held together and blocked it by soaking for about 15 min and letting it dry on blocking boards. Before blocking I got 24 st/4″ and after 21 st/4″ on a #6. It’s a bit stiff, does it soften up with wear, I did not put it in the dryer, per the yarn recommendations. Thanks!
Hello! I love this pattern but am stuck between Fallen Leaves + Warm Copper or Galapagos Teal + Patina Blue. Thoughts regarding either combination? Thanks!
Hi DeAnna,
Those are both lovely combinations! I’m particularly drawn to the Galapagos Teal + Patina Blue combo because of the difference in value between those colors. I think that the change between light and dark between sections of the top will be really beautiful!
All the best,
Lili
Hi! I’m in love with the Midori Green silk, but I’m a little torn on which linen to pair it with for this. Of Queen Anne’s Lace, Silver Thistle, and Natural Flax, could you recommend which might be the best pairing with the green?
Hi Sasha,
Thanks for reaching out! My preference would be to pair Midori Green with Silver Thistle. This color is the closest match to the neutral-colored flecks in the Cattail Silk. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
What would you recommend as a substitute for Field Linen in this pattern for Top +Bottom?
Hi Ava,
Thank you for writing in! Blackbird Linen would make a great substitute for Field Linen for this pattern!
Happy making,
Gavriella
I recently bought Cattail silk in Flower Field Grey and Lavender Opal to make this sweater. I just received my yard and I do not like to color combination at all. What other yarn color would you suggest to go with the Flower field Grey? It does not have to linen Quill. I am open to anything. Alternately what color in the Cattail silk would you suggest to go with the Lavender Opal?
Thanks for your help.
Hi Laura,
I think many colors would pair well with Flower Field Grey! Could you let me know what colors you are interested in?
All the best,
Gavriella
I loved how the sample looked so was looking for something that would give me that look. It’s so hard to tell on line how the colors will work together and the one I originally picked to go with it just seems off to me. I do not want it to be to contrasting.
Thanks
Hi Laura,
Thank you for sharing those details! I’d suggest getting two colors of Cattail silk for your project and closest match to this project page. I think the colors Moon White and Flower Field Gray would work wonderfully for the result you are looking for. I hope this helps!
All the best,
Gavriella