For the past year I have been trying to grow my handmade summer wardrobe. After realizing that I had nothing handmade to wear in the summer, I knew I had to come up with some tops that I can wear through my day, and even possibly dress up for certain occasions. If you know me, I like multifunctional!
During a trip to Joanns where our creative and crafty 12 year old daughter looked at all the things she was dreaming about, I strolled the yarn section. I tend to go through craft stores to look at yarn, see what is new, see what is discontinued, and just see what I can see. On an end display was a new Patons yarn I hadn’t seen before, Linen.
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Ideas were developing in my head right there! It was a lighter weight yarn, perfect for summer garments. It also was a cotton linen blend, which I was happy to see as a variant to the cottons and cotton blends I used on other tops. I fell in love with this bright, earthy, rust brown color called Sweet Potato. Not what I would name it, but hey – what’s in a name, right?
For the pattern I wanted something a little more fitting so that it wouldn’t appear as oversized, slouchy, or only as a casual top. I also looked through my closet and found a purchased jersey knit top that I have been wearing quite a bit, and noticed it had a curved hem that helps it sit more comfortably at the hem. Taking some cues from that top, and adjusting to a knit fabric I came up with the Main Street Top.
Using garter rows for the edges is a simple and easy way to give a refined detail to the stockinette, and prevent the edges from rolling all at once. Short rows used at the body’s hems and neck shaping creates gentle curves that help with the fit and details of this top. While side shaping helps create a narrower waist, set in sleeves help minimize the bulk at the bust sides. Both help provide a cleaner and more tailored look.
Here are our other two knit summer tops that you may enjoy:
Just like most cottons, this does tend to drag against itself as you knit. However, it isn’t something that made it a chore to work with. Just not a slippery yarn by any means. After an initial block before seaming each panel I noticed it being scratchy, but after a final block it drapes beautifully and is very comfortable being worn.
I am so excited to have this Main Street Top in my wardrobe. It will be perfect to have to wear out for errands, or dress up for some nicer occasions out on Main Street! I hope you find this top just as flattering, versatile, and as fun to make as I did.
Knit Main Street Top
by City Farmhouse Studio
See the machine knit version of the pattern HERE
Get the printable PDF version of the pattern (without ads) HERE
Add it to your Ravelry queue HERE
Patons – Linen – 3.5oz/100g – 275 yd/251 m – 65% Cotton/35% Linen – Category 3 DK Light Yarn (16 wraps per inch)- 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) [5, 6, 6, 7] skeins
US 5 (3.75mm) needle
US 4 (3.5mm) needle
Tapestry Needle
Gauge: 4” x 4” = 24 sts x 30 rows
Size: XS (S, M, L, XL) [2X, 3X, 4X, 5X]
Garment bust diameter with ease: 33 (36, 39, 43, 47) [51, 55, 60, 65] inches
Garment waist width with ease: 13 (15, 17, 19, 21) [23, 25, 27, 29] inches
Garment hip width with ease: 17.5 (18.5, 20.5, 23.5, 25.5) [27.5, 29.5, 32, 34.5] inches
Garment length at back (front is .75 shorter): 24.75 (25.25, 25.5, 25.75, 26) [26.25, 26.25, 26.75, 26.75] inches
Notes:
A YouTube video showing step by step how to make all stitches of the pattern along with more information about the construction can be found at https://youtu.be/i4-9Xxqkzko
Wrapped stitches are not to be worked on the next row. They are considered an unworked stitch for that row.
Glossary:
RC= row count
Front
With the smaller needles, long tail cast on 104 (112, 124, 140, 152) [164, 176, 192, 208] stitches.
Work 6 rows of garter stitch.
Begin short rows for curved hem: Transfer stitches to larger needles. Knit 69 (75, 83, 93, 101) [109, 117, 128, 139] stitches. Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch. 35 (37, 41, 47, 51) [55, 59, 64, 69] stitches left unworked.
Turn work and purl 34 (38, 42, 46, 50) [54, 58, 64, 70] stitches. 35 (37, 41, 47, 51) [55, 59, 64, 69] stitches remaining unworked (not including those unworked at the beginning of the row). Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch.
Turn work and knit 54 (61, 67, 74, 80) [86, 93, 102, 112], picking up the wrap from the short row before and knitting it with the stitch it wraps. 15 (14, 16, 19, 21) [23, 24, 26, 27] stitches remaining unworked (not including those unworked at the beginning of the row). Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch.
Turn work and purl 74 (84, 92, 102, 110) [118, 128, 140, 154], picking up the wrap from the short row before and knitting it with the stitch it wraps. 15 (14, 16, 19, 21) [23, 24, 26, 27] stitches remaining unworked (not including those unworked at the beginning of the row). Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch.
Turn work and knit 84 (94, 103, 115, 124) [134, 144, 158, 172], picking up the wrap from the short row before and knitting it with the stitch it wraps. 5 (4, 5, 6, 7) [7, 8, 8, 9] stitches remaining unworked (not including those unworked at the beginning of the row). Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch.
Turn work and purl 94 (104, 114, 128, 138) [150, 160, 176, 190], picking up the wrap from the short row before and knitting it with the stitch it wraps. 5 (4, 5, 6, 7) [7, 8, 8, 9] stitches remaining unworked (not including those unworked at the beginning of the row). Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch.
Turn work and knit row, picking up the wrap from the short row before and knitting it with the stitch it wraps. Only unworked stitches remain at the beginning of the row.
Turn work and purl, picking up the wrap from the short row before and knitting it with the stitch it wraps. 104 (112, 124, 140, 152) [164, 176, 192, 208] total stitches in work. RC: 14
Knit in stockinette 5 (4, 4, 5, 5) [5, 5, 10, 2] rows. RC: 19 (18, 18, 19, 19) [19, 19, 24, 16]
Decrease 1 stitch at each edge of stockinette row, for a total of 2 stitches decreased. Knit in stockinette 4 (5, 5, 4, 4) [4, 4, 3, 3] rows without any decreases.
Repeat above step a total of 13 (11, 11, 13, 13) [13, 13, 15, 17] times to have a total of 78 (90, 102, 114, 126) [138, 150, 162, 174] sts. RC: 84
Increase 1 stitch at each edge of stockinette row, for a total of 2 stitches decreased. Knit in stockinette 1 (2, 2, 2, 2) [1, 1, 0, 0] rows without any increases.
Repeat above step a total of 11 (9, 8, 8, 8) [8, 8, 9, 11] times to have a total of 100 (108, 118, 130, 142) [154, 166, 180, 196] sts. RC: 106 (111, 108, 108, 108) [100, 100, 93, 95]
Knit in stockinette 6 (3, 4, 4, 0) [4, 0, 7, 1] rows. RC: 112 (114, 112, 112, 108) [104, 100, 100, 96]
Bind off 3 (4, 4, 5, 5) [7, 7, 8, 8] sts. Finish row in stockinette.
Bind off 3 (4, 4, 5, 5) [7, 7, 8, 8] sts. Finish row in stockinette.
Bind off 2 (4, 3, 3, 3) [3, 4, 4, 4] sts. Finish row in stockinette.
Bind off 2 (4, 3, 3, 3) [3, 4, 4, 4] sts. Finish row in stockinette.
Repeat above bind off section a total of 1 (1, 2, 2, 3) [3, 3, 4, 6] times. 90 (92, 98, 108, 114) [122, 128, 132, 132] sts. RC: 116 (118, 118, 118, 116) [112, 108, 110, 110]
Bind off 1 st. Finish row in stockinette.
Bind off 1 st. Finish row in stockinette.
Repeat above bind off section a total of 1 (1, 1, 3, 4) [7, 10, 10, 10] times. 88 (90, 96, 102, 106) [108, 108, 112, 112] sts. RC: 118 (120, 120, 124, 124) [126, 128, 130, 130]
Knit in stockinette 8 (8, 8, 6, 6) [6, 4, 4, 4] rows. RC: 126 (128, 128, 130, 130) [132, 132, 134, 134]
Neck decreases: Knit 41 (42, 45, 47, 49) [50, 50, 52, 52] stitches. Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch. Turn work and purl back to edge.
Knit row leaving 3 more stitches unworked than previous. Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch. Turn work and purl back to edge.
Repeat above for a total of 3 (3, 3, 4, 4) [4, 4, 4, 4] times and 32 (33, 36, 35, 37) [38, 38, 40, 40] stitches being worked on last repeat. RC: 134 (136, 136, 140, 140) [142, 142, 144, 144]
Knit row leaving 2 more stitches unworked than previous. Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch. Turn work and purl back to edge.
Repeat above for a total of 3 (3, 3, 2, 2) [2, 2, 2, 2] times and 26 (27, 30, 31, 33) [34, 34, 36, 36] stitches being worked on last repeat. RC: 140 (142, 142, 144, 144) [146, 146, 148, 148]
Knit row leaving 1 more stitches unworked than previous. Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch. Turn work and purl back to edge.
Repeat above for a total of 6 (6, 7, 7, 7) [8, 8, 8, 8] times and 20 (21, 23, 24, 26) [26, 26, 28, 28] stitches being worked on last repeat. RC: 152 (154, 156, 158, 158) [162, 162, 164, 164]
Knit in stockinette 16 (18, 18, 18, 18) [18, 18, 20, 20] rows. RC: 168 (172, 174, 176, 176) [180, 180, 184, 184]
Bind off 2 stitches. Knit row, do not knit the wrapped stitch or beyond.
Turn work and purl the row, decreasing one stitch at shoulder edge.
Repeat above section of bind offs for a total of 6 times. Remaining stitches in work 2 (3, 5, 6, 8) [8, 8, 10, 10]. RC: 180 (184, 186, 188, 188) [192, 192, 196, 196]
Bind off.
Transfer stitches so that you can begin to work other shoulder side. Repeat pattern from where you begin neck decreases, but reversing the fabric so that decreases will be on the other side of shoulder. When directions say knit then purl. If directions say purl then knit to stay with stockinette pattern.
Bind off.
For neck band: With smaller needles, work 6 rows of garter stitch, beginning by picking up 22 (24, 24, 24, 24) [24, 24, 26, 26] stitches along the straight inside edge, knit the remaining stitches on the needle, and pick up an additional 22 (24, 24, 24, 24) [24, 24, 26, 26] stitches along the other side of neck. Bind off.
Back
With the smaller needles, long tail cast on 104 (112, 124, 140, 152) [164, 176, 192, 208] stitches.
Work 6 rows of garter stitch.
Begin short rows for curved hem: Transfer stitches to larger needles. Knit 67 (72, 79, 90, 97) [105, 116, 131, 146] stitches. Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch. 37 (40, 45, 50, 55) [59, 60, 61, 62] stitches left unworked.
Turn work and purl 30 (32, 34, 40, 42) [46, 56, 70, 84] stitches. 37 (40, 45, 50, 55) [59, 60, 61, 62] stitches remaining unworked (not including those unworked at the beginning of the row). Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch.
Turn work and knit 45 (48, 52, 60, 64) [70, 80, 94, 109], picking up the wrap from the short row before and knitting it with the stitch it wraps. 22 (24, 27, 30, 33) [35, 36, 37, 37] stitches remaining unworked (not including those unworked at the beginning of the row). Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch.
Turn work and purl 60 (64, 70, 80, 86) [94, 104, 118, 134], picking up the wrap from the short row before and knitting it with the stitch it wraps. 22 (24, 27, 30, 33) [35, 36, 37, 37] stitches remaining unworked (not including those unworked at the beginning of the row). Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch.
Turn work and knit 69 (74, 81, 92, 99) [108, 118, 133, 149], picking up the wrap from the short row before and knitting it with the stitch it wraps. 13 (14, 16, 18, 20) [21, 22, 22, 22] stitches remaining unworked (not including those unworked at the beginning of the row). Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch.
Turn work and purl 78 (84, 92, 104, 112) [122, 132, 148, 164], picking up the wrap from the short row before and knitting it with the stitch it wraps. 13 (14, 16, 18, 20) [21, 22, 22, 22] stitches remaining unworked (not including those unworked at the beginning of the row). Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch.
Turn work and knit 83 (90, 98, 111, 120) [130, 141, 157, 173], picking up the wrap from the short row before and knitting it with the stitch it wraps. 8 (8, 10, 11, 12) [13, 13, 13, 13] stitches remaining unworked (not including those unworked at the beginning of the row). Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch.
Turn work and purl 88 (96, 104, 118, 128) [138, 150, 166, 182], picking up the wrap from the short row before and knitting it with the stitch it wraps. 8 (8, 10, 11, 12) [13, 13, 13, 13] stitches remaining unworked (not including those unworked at the beginning of the row). Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch.
Turn work and knit 92 (100, 109, 124, 134) [145, 157, 173, 189], picking up the wrap from the short row before and knitting it with the stitch it wraps. 4 (4, 5, 5, 6) [6, 6, 6, 6] stitches remaining unworked (not including those unworked at the beginning of the row). Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch.
Turn work and purl 96 (104, 114, 130, 140) [152, 164, 180, 196], picking up the wrap from the short row before and knitting it with the stitch it wraps. 4 (4, 5, 5, 6) [6, 6, 6, 6] stitches remaining unworked (not including those unworked at the beginning of the row). Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch.
Turn work and knit 98 (106, 117, 133, 144) [156, 168, 184, 200], picking up the wrap from the short row before and knitting it with the stitch it wraps. 2 stitches remaining unworked (not including those unworked at the beginning of the row). Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch.
Turn work and purl 100 (108, 120, 136, 148) [160, 172, 188, 204], picking up the wrap from the short row before and knitting it with the stitch it wraps. 2 stitches remaining unworked (not including those unworked at the beginning of the row). Wrap yarn around next unworked stitch.
Turn work and knit row, picking up the wrap from the short row before and knitting it with the stitch it wraps. Only unworked stitches remain at the beginning of the row.
Turn work and purl row, picking up the wrap from the short row before and knitting it with the stitch it wraps. 104 (112, 124, 140, 152) [164, 176, 192, 208] stitches in work. RC: 20
Knit in stockinette 5 (4, 4, 5, 5) [5, 5, 10, 2] rows. RC: 25 (24, 24, 25, 25) [25, 25, 30, 22]
Decrease 1 stitch at each edge of stockinette row, for a total of 2 stitches decreased. Knit in stockinette 4 (5, 5, 4, 4) [4, 4, 3, 3] rows without any decreases.
Repeat above step a total of 13 (11, 11, 13, 13) [13, 13, 15, 17] times to have a total of 78 (90, 102, 114, 126) [138, 150, 162, 174] sts. RC: 90
Increase 1 stitch at each edge of stockinette row, for a total of 2 stitches decreased. Knit in stockinette 1 (2, 2, 2, 2) [1, 1, 0, 0] rows without any increases.
Repeat above step a total of 11 (9, 8, 8, 8) [8, 8, 9, 11] times to have a total of 100 (108, 118, 130, 142) [154, 166, 180, 196] sts. RC: 112 (117, 114, 114, 114) [106, 106, 99, 101]
Knit in stockinette 6 (3, 4, 4, 0) [4, 0, 7, 1] rows. RC: 118 (120, 118, 118, 114) [110, 106, 106, 102]
Bind off 3 (4, 4, 5, 5) [7, 7, 8, 8] sts. Finish row in stockinette.
Bind off 3 (4, 4, 5, 5) [7, 7, 8, 8] sts. Finish row in stockinette.
Bind off 2 (4, 3, 3, 3) [3, 4, 4, 4] sts. Finish row in stockinette.
Bind off 2 (4, 3, 3, 3) [3, 4, 4, 4] sts. Finish row in stockinette.
Repeat above bind off section a total of 1 (1, 2, 2, 3) [3, 3, 4, 6] times. 90 (92, 98, 108, 114) [122, 128, 132, 132] sts. RC: 122 (124, 124, 124, 122) [118, 114, 116, 116]
Bind off 1 st. Finish row in stockinette.
Bind off 1 st. Finish row in stockinette.
Repeat above bind off section a total of 1 (1, 1, 3, 4) [7, 10, 10, 10] times. 88 (90, 96, 102, 106) [108, 108, 112, 112] sts. RC: 124 (126, 126, 130, 130) [132, 134, 136, 136]
Knit in stockinette 50 (52, 54, 52, 52) [54, 52, 54, 54] rows. RC: 174 (178, 180, 182, 182) [186, 186, 190, 190]
Neck decreases and shoulder slope: Bind off 2 stitches. Knit 30 (31, 33, 35, 37) [37, 37, 39, 39] stitches. Wrap yarn around first unworked stitch.
Turn work and purl to end of the row, decreasing one stitch at end. 29 (30, 32, 34, 36) [36, 36, 38, 38] stitches worked.
Bind off 2 stitches. Knit 20 (21, 23, 24, 26) [26, 26, 28, 28] stitches. Wrap yarn around first unworked stitch.
Turn work and purl to end of the row, decreasing one stitch at end. 19 (20, 22, 23, 25) [25, 25, 27, 27] stitches worked.
Bind off 2 stitches. Knit 14 (15, 17, 18, 20) [20, 20, 22, 22] stitches. Wrap yarn around first unworked stitch.
Turn work and purl to end of the row, decreasing one stitch at end. 13 (14, 16, 17, 19) [19, 19, 21, 21] stitches worked.
Bind off 2 stitches. Knit 9 (10, 12, 13, 15) [15, 15, 17, 17] stitches. Wrap yarn around first unworked stitch.
Turn work and purl to end of the row, decreasing one stitch at end. 8 (9, 11, 12, 14) [14, 14, 16, 16] stitches worked.
Bind off 2 stitches. Knit 6 (7, 9, 10, 12) [12, 12, 14, 14] stitches. Wrap yarn around first unworked stitch.
Turn work and purl to end of the row, decreasing one stitch at end. 5 (6, 8, 9, 11) [11, 11, 13, 13] stitches worked.
Bind off 2 stitches. Knit 3 (4, 6, 7, 9) [9, 9, 11, 11] stitches. Wrap yarn around first unworked stitch.
Turn work and purl to end of the row, decreasing one stitch at end. 2 (3, 5, 6, 8) [8, 8, 10, 10] stitches worked. RC: 186 (190, 192, 194, 194) [198, 198, 202, 202]
Bind off the in work 2 (3, 5, 6, 8) [8, 8, 10, 10] edge stitches.
Transfer stitches so that you can begin to work other shoulder side. Repeat pattern from where you begin neck decreases, but reversing the fabric so that decreases will be on the other side of shoulder. When directions say knit then purl. If directions say purl then knit to stay with stockinette pattern.
Bind off.
For neck band: With smaller needles, work 6 rows of garter stitch by picking up 2 (3, 5, 6, 8) [8, 8, 10, 10] stitches along the straight inside edge, knit the remaining stitches on the needle, and pick up an additional 2 (3, 5, 6, 8) [8, 8, 10, 10] stitches along the other side of neck. Bind off after 6 rows of garter stitch.
Sleeve
With the smaller needles, long tail cast on 72 (76, 82, 88, 96) [110, 118, 124, 132] stitches.
Work 6 rows of garter stitch.
Knit in stockinette 2 rows.
Bind off 3 (4, 4, 5, 6) [6, 7, 8, 8] sts. Finish row in stockinette.
Bind off 3 (4, 4, 5, 6) [6, 7, 8, 8] sts. Finish row in stockinette.
Bind off 2 (3, 3, 3, 3) [4, 4, 4, 4] sts. Finish row in stockinette.
Bind off 2 (3, 3, 3, 3) [4, 4, 4, 4] sts. Finish row in stockinette.
Repeat above bind off section a total of 2 (1, 2, 2, 3) [2, 2, 3, 2] times. 58 (62, 62, 66, 66) [82, 88, 84, 100] sts. RC: 14 (12, 14, 14, 16) [14, 14, 16, 14]
Bind off 1 st. Finish row in stockinette.
Bind off 1 st. Finish row in stockinette.
Repeat above bind off section a total of 13 (4, 3, 4, 4) [4, 5, 5, 4] times. 52 (54, 56, 58, 58) [74, 78, 74, 92] sts. RC: 20 (20, 20, 22, 24) [22, 24, 26, 22]
Knit 4 (6, 6, 8, 10) [12, 14, 20, 26] rows. RC: 24 (26, 26, 30, 34) [34, 38, 46, 48]
Bind off 1 st. Finish row in stockinette.
Bind off 1 st. Finish row in stockinette.
Repeat above bind off section a total of 3 (4, 4, 4, 5) [4, 5, 4, 3] times. 46 (46, 48, 50, 48) [66, 68, 66, 86] sts.
RC: 30 (34, 34, 38, 44) [42, 48, 54, 54]
Bind off 2 (2, 2, 2, 2) [2, 2, 3, 3] sts. Finish row in stockinette.
Bind off 2 (2, 2, 2, 2) [2, 2, 3, 3] sts. Finish row in stockinette.
Repeat above bind off section a total of 4 (4, 4, 4, 4) [4, 5, 3, 4] times. 30 (30, 32, 34, 32) [50, 48, 48, 62] sts. RC: 38 (42, 42, 46, 52) [50, 58, 60, 62]
Bind off 3 (3, 3, 3, 3) [3, 3, 4, 4] sts. Finish row in stockinette.
Bind off 3 (3, 3, 3, 3) [3, 3, 4, 4] sts. Finish row in stockinette.
Repeat above bind off section a total of 2 (2, 2, 2, 2) [3, 3, 2, 2] times. 18 (18, 20, 22, 20) [32, 30, 32, 46] sts. RC: 42 (46, 46, 50, 56) [56, 64, 64, 66]
Bind off 3 (3, 3, 3, 3) [4, 4, 5, 5] sts. Finish row in stockinette.
Bind off 3 (3, 3, 3, 3) [4, 4, 5, 5] sts. Finish row in stockinette.
Repeat above bind off section a total of 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) [2, 2, 1, 2] times. 12 (12, 14, 16, 14) [16, 14, 22, 26] sts. RC: 44 (48, 48, 52, 58) [60, 68, 66, 70]
Bind off.
Repeat Sleeve instructions to make second sleeve.
Attach front and back shoulders together. Sew in sleeves matching edges of armhole decreases. Sew side seams of body up through sleeve cuff. Block.
