One of the things I love most about designing is making knitters’ dreams a reality – creating the patterns they ask for when they pop into the Purl &Jane Skipton studio. There have been quite a few requests for a simple knitted top like this one, the Clayton Top.

But I have to admit, this design is also pure indulgence for me. It’s everything I love about a hand knit – a simple, easy-to-knit stitch pattern, gentle shaping and uncomplicated pieces that allow the yarn to drape and do its thing.

It’s been very popular with knitters who visit the studio. The garment is knitted in pieces with side seams, and I designed the moss stitch edging specifically to make it perfect for joining with the wonderfully relaxing mattress stitch.

As with all my patterns, it’s very easy to lengthen or shorten the design to create your perfect fit and style.

CONSTRUCTION
The back and front are knitted flat from the bottom up in separate pieces and joined together. The neck edge is picked up and knitted.

TECHNIQUES USED
Cast on, knit, purl, decreasing at the neck shaping, cast off. Joining seams. Optional but recommended to create the feeling of joy when joining your pieces: mattress stitch and three needle cast off.

YARN
6(7:9:10) 50g balls of Lang Merino 150.
100% Merino wool 150m/164yds per 50g.

SUGGESTED KNITTING NEEDLES
3mm & 3.25mm.

GAUGE (tension)
27 stitches and 36 rows to 10cm/4ins square over stocking stitch. I obtained this gauge with 3.25mm needles.
It is important to obtain the correct gauge so do work a swatch before you start the pattern and change your needle size to achieve the correct gauge if you need to.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
I recommend a positive ease of 7-12ins/18-32cm at the chest.

To Fit Chest (suggested)
76.5-86.5, 91.5-101.5, 106.5-117, 122-132)cm
30-34, (36-40, 42-46, 48-52)ins

Actual Chest Measurement
108, (120, 135, 150)cm
40½, (47¼, 53, 59)ins

Length (from shoulder)
48, (52, 56, 60)cm
18¾, (20½, 22, 23½)ins

NEED HELP?
I am here for you! Pop into the Skipton studio, send an email, or check out the Purl &Jane YouTube channel for tips, inspiration and guidance including handy resources like gauge (tension) guides and how to tutorials.