Inspired by the French word for “check” or “tile,” the Carreau Top embraces a simple, refined aesthetic with modern appeal. This top features a combination of soft colors, arranged in a gentle mosaic pattern that adds dimension without overwhelming. Its classic construction and understated design make it a versatile wardrobe piece, perfect for layering or standing out on its own. Finished with a scalloped edge, this top is classic and polished.
Time: 60 hours
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes written as XS (S, M, L, XL): Finished Bust Size 32 (36, 40, 44, 48)” to fit bust 32 (36, 40, 44, 48)”
0” ease recommended.
Shown in size 36”
Gauge: 24 sts and 40 rows = 4” [10 cm] in drop st after wet blocking
Materials
Yarn: Rowan Summerlite 4 ply (100% Cotton; 175 meters / 50 grams): Seashell 437 (MC 2 (2, 2, 2, 3) balls), Aqua 433 (CC1 1 ball), Coral Blush 442 (CC2 1 ball), Rooibos 441 (CC3 1 ball), Langoustine 440 (CC4 1 ball), Vintage Claret 443 (CC5 1 ball)
Needles: US size 2 3.0 mm, 24” circular needles and 16” circular needles
Notions: Removable markers, tapestry needle
Special Stitches
Drop stitch:
Drop the next stitch off needle and unravel a specific number of rows. Pick up the stitch from the row below, insert your needle into this stitch and under the loose strands of yarn and knit, catching the loose strands of yarn behind the knit stitch.
Carrying yarn:
Carry yarn up the side by twisting the working yarn with the unused yarn at the beginning of each row. Twist every few rows to secure the unused yarn along the edge and avoid cutting between stripes.
Pattern Notes
This pattern is worked from bottom up. Pattern is worked in pieces, the front and the back, then seamed at the sides and shoulders with a mattress stitch. Stitches around the armhole and neckline are picked up then the armhole rib and neckline rib are worked.
Pattern is written for size XS with other sizes in parentheses as XS (S, M, L, XL), when only one number is listed it applies to all sizes.
Block your pieces before seaming for the best results. Seam on a flat surface to maintain proper alignment.
Back
CO MC 96 (112, 118, 130, 142) sts
Row 1: K1, P1 across
Row 2: P1, K1 across
Row 3: K1, P1 across
Row 4: P1, K1 across
Row 5: Work 2 (8, 2, 8, 2) sts, *drop next st off needle and unravel 4 rows down, picking up the st from Row 1 below; insert ndl into this st and under the 4 loose strands of yarn and knit, catching the 4 loose strands behind st; work next 11 sts in rib pattern; rep from * to end following rib pattern.
Row 6 & 8: P1, K1 across
Row 7 & 9: K1, P1 across
Row 10: Work 2 (8, 2, 8, 2) sts, *drop next st off needle and unravel 4 rows down, picking up the st from Row 6 below; insert ndl into this st and under the 4 loose strands of yarn and knit, catching the 4 loose strands behind st; work next 11 sts in rib pattern; rep from * to end following rib pattern.
Row 11: With MC, knit across
Row 12: Purl across
Row 13: Change to CC1, knit across
Row 14: Purl across
Row 15: Change to MC, knit 1 st, *drop next st off needle and unravel 2 rows down, picking up the MC st below; insert ndl into this st and under the 2 loose strands of yarn and knit, catching the 2 loose strands behind st; K2; rep from * to end.
Row 16: Purl across
Row 17: Change to CC2, knit across
Row 18: Purl across
Row 19: Change to MC, knit 1 st, *drop next st, unravel and knit MC st from 2nd row below as in row 15; K2; rep from * to end.
Repeat rows 11-19 moving through all of the contrast colors every 2 rows, until piece measures 11.75 (11.75, 12.25, 12.5, 13)” from CO, ending with a WS row.
Shape Armholes
Continue to change colors as indicated in “Color CHART”. Make sure 2 edge sts are knit (not dropped) to keep a crisp edge
BO 3 (3, 4, 4, 4) sts, cont. as established to 3 (3, 4, 4, 4) sts before side, BO next 3 (3, 4, 4, 4) sts. (90 (106, 110, 122, 134) sts)
Dec 2 sts on each side every 2nd row 4 (6, 6, 8, 10) times. (74 (82, 86, 90, 94) sts)
Sizes – (S, M, L, -) only:
Then Dec 1 st on each side every 2nd row 1 time. (74 (80, 84, 88, 94) sts)
After all decs for armholes (74 (80, 84, 88, 94) sts) remain. Work until piece measures 19.5 (20.25, 21, 22, 22.75)” from CO, ending with a WS row.
Next row: Cont. as established across 12 (13, 15, 16, 17) Left Shoulder sts, pm, work 13 (13, 14, 14, 15) Neck sts, BO center 24 (28, 26, 28, 30) sts. Switch to shorter ndl and cont. as established across 13 (13, 14, 14, 15) Neck sts, pm, work 12 (13, 15, 16, 17) Right Shoulder sts.
Cont. as established for WS row.
Right Shoulder/Right Neck:
Dec 5 (5, 6, 6, 7) sts on the neck side every 2nd row 1 time.
Dec 4 sts on on the neck side every 2nd row 2 times. (12 (13, 15, 16, 17) sts rem, all neck sts were removed).
Work until piece measures 21.25 (22, 22.75, 23.75, 24.5)” from CO, ending with a RS row. BO all sts from right side.
Work the other shoulder the same way.
Front
CO and work in the same way as the back through armhole decs 74 (80, 84, 88, 94) sts remain. Cont. as established until piece measures 17 (17.75, 18.5, 19.25, 20)” from CO.
Next row: Cont. as established across 12 (13, 15, 16, 17) Left Shoulder sts, pm, work 18 (18, 18, 18, 20) Neck sts, BO center 14 (18, 18, 20, 20) sts. Switch to shorter ndl and cont. as established across 18 (18, 18, 18, 20) Neck sts, pm, work 12 (13, 15, 16, 17) Right Shoulder sts.
Right Shoulder:
Dec 2 sts on the neck side every 2nd row 9 (9, 9, 9, 10) times. (12 (13, 15, 16, 17) sts rem, all neck sts were removed).
Work until piece measures 21.25 (22, 22.75, 23.75, 24.5)” from CO, ending with a RS row.
BO all sts from right side.
Work the other shoulder the same way.
Finishing
Block the front and back pieces flat and let fully dry. Thread tapestry needle with a length of yarn approximately three times the length of the side seam. With RS facing each other, begin at the bottom of the garment and mattress stitch upward using the stripes to keep the pieces aligned. Use the same technique for each side seam and shoulder seam.
Armhole & Neck Rib Trims
Switch to smaller circular needles. Measure each armhole and neck circumference to determine number of stitches needed. Rib trims are worked flat to match the length of the armhole and neck circumferences, bound off then seamed to top.
Trim:
CO MC (see above note for st count)
Row 1: K1, P1 across
Row 2: P1, K1 across
Row 3: K1, P1 across
Row 4: P1, K1 across
Row 5: Work 2 sts, *drop next st off needle and unravel 4 rows down, picking up the st from Row 1 below; insert ndl into this st and under the 4 loose strands of yarn and knit, catching the 4 loose strands behind st; work next 11 sts in rib pattern; rep from * end following rib pattern.
Row 6 & 8: P1, K1 across
Row 7 & 9: K1, P1 across
Row 10: Work 2 sts, *drop next st off needle and unravel 4 rows down, picking up the st from Row 6 below; insert ndl into this st and under the 4 loose strands of yarn and knit, catching the 4 loose strands behind st; work next 11 sts in rib pattern; rep from * end following rib pattern.
BO all sts.
Repeat for each armhole and neck
With RS of the trim facing the RS of the top, align the trim along the edge, beg at a seam. Use stitch markers or pins to secure the trim evenly around. With a tapestry needle and MC yarn, use a mattress stitch to attach the trim to the edge, working carefully to align the stitches.
Weave in all ends securely.